Brussels Flower Carpet - Belgian

I am the Brussels Flower Carpet, a vibrant, living artwork that transforms a historic city square into a masterpiece of nature. People create me not with paint or stone, but with hundreds of thousands of fresh flowers. For just a few days every other year, I cover the cobblestones of the Grand-Place, the central square in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. My appearance is a special event that takes place in August, turning this famous public space into a fragrant, colorful spectacle.

My story begins with a landscape architect named Etienne Stautemas. A landscape architect is someone who designs outdoor spaces, and Etienne had a particular expertise in growing and arranging begonias. In 1971, he used his knowledge to design and create my very first version. He understood that the vivid colors and durable nature of begonias would be perfect for crafting a large-scale, detailed image directly on the ground. That initial creation was the seed from which a beloved tradition would grow. While my first appearance was in 1971, it was in 1986 that I became a regular, established event. Since then, people have gathered every two years to bring me to life, making me a consistent part of the city’s summer calendar.

Each time I am created, I am entirely new. The process starts long before the flowers arrive, with the selection of a unique theme. This theme serves as the inspiration for my design, guiding the artists who draw the full-scale pattern. The theme might honor a country, a continent, a historical event, or a particular style of art. This ensures that every one of my appearances is a distinct work of art, never to be repeated in exactly the same way. The design is a complex, life-sized drawing that is first laid out on the square, providing a guide for the next, more colorful stage of my creation.

The primary flower used to create my intricate patterns is the begonia. This flower is chosen for very specific reasons. Begonias are hardy, meaning they are strong enough to withstand being placed in the open air for several days without wilting. They also grow in a wide spectrum of brilliant colors, which allows artists to create rich textures and detailed images. These qualities make the begonia the ideal medium for a temporary, outdoor floral tapestry.

The assembly is a remarkable display of speed and cooperation. Once the design is in place and the flowers have arrived, a team of about 100 volunteers works together to fill in the pattern. They meticulously place each begonia by hand, packing them tightly together to form a dense and seamless carpet of petals. This entire process, from bare cobblestones to a completed, magnificent floral artwork, is completed in just about eight hours.

Once I am finished, thousands of people come to the Grand-Place to see me. They can walk alongside my edges, admiring the patterns and the sheer number of flowers up close. For a different and more complete perspective, many visitors go to the balcony of the Town Hall, which overlooks the square. From that high vantage point, my entire design becomes clear, revealing the full scale and artistry of the composition. My existence is brief, lasting only a few days, which makes the experience of seeing me all the more special for those who gather to appreciate this fleeting moment of beauty.