The Tour de France, the prestigious cycling event that attracts millions of fans from around the world, kicked off in Bilbao last Saturday. And we had the pleasure of participating by decorating the exclusive venue for this first stage. With our event plants, our goal is to create a unique and welcoming atmosphere for attendees. To achieve this, we selected several of our products and combined them with other elements to create a natural setting in the heart of the city.
Main entrance: ivy arch "Eguzkilore"
At the entrance, we installed an arch of ivy (Hedera helix) crowned by the sign "EGUZKILORE, " the name of the meeting space. Eguzkilore—Carlina acanthifolia—is the "flower of the sun," a wild thistle from the Basque mountains, linked to popular tradition for its protective function. Because of its symbolism and light, we incorporated it into the welcome arch.
Outdoor area: birch trees in terracotta pots
We placed birch trees (Betula) in terracotta pots on the lawn to maintain a robust and natural aesthetic. The species complemented the existing gardens, which were filled with the same tree in its natural form.
Low heights: fiber and aromatic baskets
For the lower levels, we chose natural fiber baskets with aromatic plants (lavender), olive trees, and grasses, adding texture, fragrance, and visual continuity.
Covered tent: ceiling bouquets and macramé
We took advantage of the central height with ceiling bouquets (hanging structures) of preserved and dried vegetation. On the sides, suspended macramé planters served as decorative dividers, adding volume with artificial plants at different heights.
Perimeter: metal and natural reeds
On the sides, we combine metal structures with natural cane to achieve a balanced contrast between strength and lightness, creating rhythm and visual movement.
Botanical selection: Atlantic and Mediterranean
We are looking for a composition that is representative of Basque flora, integrating species from two areas:
- Atlantic vegetation: birch (Betula), chestnut (Castanea), beech (Fagus), grasses, heather (Erica), and rushes (Juncus).
- Mediterranean vegetation (Ebro Valley): holm oak (Quercus ilex), olive tree (Olea europaea), hackberry (Celtis australis), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).
Close
The intervention in the EGUZKILORE space of the Tour de France in Bilbao was an exceptional experience. The selection of local species and natural materials —wicker, jute, terracotta, and reeds—created a warm and coherent atmosphere, capable of evoking feelings of nature in the midst of an urban environment. An example of how plant design can bring the landscape closer to people and enrich their experience.
