Second place winner by Waterlily Pond, ‘Paradise: Delirium and Desire’
From October 20-29 the city of Córdoba, Spain, will present the debut of their new international flower festival, FLORA. The festival brings together eight floral artists from around the world to each create a unique site display in courtyards around the city. They have the opportunity to transform the courtyards into eight spectacular spaces that will establish a tour of memory, heritage, culture and art. 
Third place winner by Loose Leaf, 'Free Fall'
Awards were granted for the most beautiful and creative installations as the festival seeks to recognise the work of the best floral artists in the world, an artistic universe still unknown by many people that so far lacks an international award. Three very generous prizes were given by an international judging panel: $100,000 for first place, $60,000 for second and $30,000 for third. 
First place winner by Waterlily Pond, ‘Duende’
American duo, Waterlily Pond, formed by Natasha Lisitsa and Daniel Schultz, was awarded first place for their project, ‘Duende’. Inspired by the flamenco dancer and her dress train, they created the installation as a tribute to the famous Spanish dance. “The flamenco dancer and her dress merge in a catharsis of spirit and movement: what is this, if not paradise?”
Second place was awarded to Belgian artist Tomas de Bruyne for his project ‘Paradise: Delirium and Desire’, and third place to Australian duo, Loose Leaf, for their creation, ‘Free Fall’. 
The festival presents an unprecedented cultural exchange between the traditional space of the courtyards of Córdoba and the contemporary world of floral installations. The festival was born from the private initiative of Zizai Hotels SL and co-organised by Córdoba City Hall, and aims to boost the city’s tourism and arts scene. 
FLORA also seeks to bring together notable collaborators from the field of floral art. Famous botanical illustrator, Katie Scott, was asked to design the official festival poster with her signature floral designs. The festival prize was designed by the Spanish jewellery brand Gold & Roses, widely linked to the art world and to locally and traditionally crafted art.