Flowers play an important role in life’s special moments. On Sunday, 27 September, we supplied hydrangeas and delphiniums, among other flowers, for the floral display surrounding the altar during the Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV in Lourdes. Grown on our own farm in Gilgil, Kenya, our flowers joined those of other growers and partners in a design by floral designer Tomas De Bruyne.
A special moment in Lourdes
Lourdes was one of five stops on Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic journey to France. Around 150,000 worshippers attended Sunday Mass on the sanctuary’s prairie, including nearly 7,000 people who were ill, supported by 1,500 volunteers.
A large floral display was created around the altar. Tomas De Bruyne designed the display in collaboration with the Sanctuary of Lourdes, the Carmélites Apostoliques de Bagnères-de-Bigorre, and several growers and partners.
Hydrangeas and delphiniums in the design
For this special project, we supplied hydrangeas and delphiniums, among other varieties, grown for the international high-end event and floral market. Our flowers featured prominently in the design, which brought together different flowers, colours and shapes.
For a ceremony of this scale, a flower’s appearance is only part of the picture. Strength and quality also matter, as does how well the flowers hold up within a large arrangement. Thousands of attendees viewed the display up close, and it framed the altar throughout the ceremony.
Bringing the design together
A floral display like this brings together design, flowers and craftsmanship. Each grower and partner contributes their own products and expertise. Under the floral designer’s direction, these contributions become one cohesive design.
For us, the project in Lourdes shows what flowers can bring to a special occasion. They give a place character and help create an atmosphere that reflects the moment. We are proud that our flowers were part of it.
We would like to thank Tomas De Bruyne, the Sanctuary of Lourdes, the Carmélites Apostoliques de Bagnères-de-Bigorre, and all the growers and partners involved for their collaboration.
Flowers from Kenya, all year round
On our own farm in Gilgil, we grow Hydrangea, Delphinium, Limonium, Statice and lilies throughout the year. We supply professional partners worldwide, including floral professionals, importers and wholesalers.
With a focus on consistent quality, reliable availability and service, we grow flowers for a wide range of uses: from everyday floral work to weddings, large events and special ceremonies such as the papal Mass in Lourdes.
Discover what’s growing
Would you like to see more of our flowers and the projects they are part of? Follow us on Instagram at @blooming.innovations for inspiration and a glimpse of life on our farm.