Thinking big, moving fast: Rieke reflects candidly

For a production of this scale, the biggest challenge is balancing creativity, freshness, and logistics. It starts with carefully planning large quantities while considering the availability and shelf life of seasonal products. Unexpected temperatures and conditions also require quick adjustments. On top of that, there’s staffing, setup and dismantling, fire safety, visitor flow, and budget management.

With FleuraMetz by her side, she was able to bring her vision to life. Reliable planning and the ability to respond quickly to changes were major advantages. Rieke could discuss quantities, available varieties, and adjustments throughout the project with FleuraMetz. That level of reliability takes a great deal of pressure off an already complex project.

Climate conditions and shelf life were particularly difficult to predict in advance. An exhibition lasting several weeks is completely different from decorating an event for a single evening. Inside the exhibition hall, flowers and plants sometimes behaved differently than expected. As a result, some had to be replaced earlier, and more or different products were needed than originally planned.

For large-scale projects like these, Rieke sees particular value in a dedicated approach to project logistics or event product management at FleuraMetz. This could include reserving large quantities with growers well in advance, identifying alternative varieties beforehand, and keeping replacement stock ready to be used quickly when needed.

Joint planning around shelf life and seasonal availability can also make a significant difference for projects lasting several weeks. The question is not just “What is available?” but, more importantly, “What will actually work under these specific conditions throughout this period?”

The reactions from visitors were more intense than Rieke had expected. Visitors didn't just take photos and admire the beauty of the displays. They started conversations, asked questions, and shared their personal stories.

The Kraftbaum at URKRAFT and the emotional displays at ERBLÜHEN, in particular, deeply moved visitors. They sparked conversations, brought back memories, and encouraged personal exchanges.

The interest in the flower hall and our displays was enormous.

One message stood out clearly: flowers are so much more than 'just beautiful'. This idea was the common thread running through the four life cycles represented in the exhibitions. Flowers can evoke emotions, bring memories to life, and tell stories.

Rieke's biggest lesson learned is not to try to do everything herself. For her next project, she would delegate responsibilities earlier. This would create more time and space to plan staffing, products, and replacement schedules.

Creatively, Rieke would approach it exactly the same way again: think big and dare to create. From an organizational perspective, however, she would be even more prepared for the fact that a project lasting several months never goes entirely according to plan. Even with thorough preparation, you can never fully predict what challenges you might encounter along the way.

Communication and flexibility were the most important aspects of Rieke's collaboration with FleuraMetz. With a regular order, I simply order products and expect them to be delivered. But a project of this scale requires a completely different kind of collaboration. Quantities change, varieties need to be replaced, and decisions sometimes have to be made at very short notice. Being able to work together to find solutions throughout the process was far more valuable to me than a traditional supplier-customer relationship.