AVBS stand at the Floraliën becomes one big journey of discovery. That, in a nutshell, is what the stand of the professional organisation of ornamental growers and green contractors, AVBS, will look like. Unlike previous editions, where each houseplant grower or tree nursery more or less had ‘their own little corner’ within the group stand, the plants are now presented where they can look their best, helping to tell the overall story of the stand. Architects Wouter François and Kris Van Cauter are creating an experience here. In the past, visitors were sometimes overwhelmed by the total impression at once, they are now creating a journey of discovery. “Visitors will experience a walk full of stimuli, emotion and experience, in which their connection with what they see is deepened layer by layer,” Wouter explains.

Connection, care and awareness
“But connection requires adaptation, awareness and humility. And that last aspect is lacking in many people. We humans need nature, but nature does not need us.” To convey this message, Wouter and his team are creating an evolution from a decayed situation to a climax of plant abundance and then towards a new state of decline. With this, he mainly wants to emphasise that humans must take care of nature, since we need it for many essential necessities of life, such as clean air, clear water and food.

By scanning QR codes along the way, visitors can further engage with what they are seeing. Around every corner, a new surprise awaits.

The assortment on display ranges from large trees that have been cultivated for twenty years, to shrubs and smaller multi-stem trees, various houseplants and the showpiece, the Ghent azalea, dozens of types of perennials and even cut flowers. The latter are incorporated into the story under the guidance of florist Kurt Deraeve.

Wickerwork as an eye-catcher
A special feature is the wickerwork by willow artist Jean-Louis Muller. This not only creates connection – the central theme of this edition – but also produces eye-catching pieces that here and there resemble the world of the elves from The Lord of the Rings.
You can discover this story at our stand, located near the catering area at the back of the Floraliën hall.