For many, the Gothenburg Horse Show in Sweden is all about equestrian sport. But behind the scenes, much more goes into making it a visual spectacle. A key element? The flowers. Mark Frank of Mark Frank Styling and his team have been working on the show's floral design for years. This year, the event—featuring FEI show jumping and dressage—was decorated with 15,000 flower stems and 2,500 plants, primarily sourced from Dutch growers.
A lifetime of flowers and plants
Floral designer Mark Frank has been involved with the Gothenburg Horse Show since 1993, initially working as a freelance decorator for the organizers at the time until 2013. After several changes in the organizing company, he was asked in 2018 to take on the role again. Since then, together with two colleagues, he has been responsible for the event's entire floral and plant decorations
Huge flower and plant decorations
The Gothenburg Horse Show is renowned worldwide for its spectacular floral and plant decorations. "It's often said to have the most beautifully decorated course of any horse show in the world," he shares. Achieving this stunning display requires an enormous amount of materials. "A full truck carrying 43 CC carts packed with flowers—15,000 stems and 2,500 plants—is brought in specifically for the event, with much of it sourced from Dutch growers. The most commonly used flowers include chrysanthemums, alstroemeria, lilies, gerberas, and roses, along with sunflowers, amaryllis, hypericum, ornithogalum, and solidago," he explains. Essential decorative hardware is stored in a shipping container and reused each year.
Volunteers
But without the help of dedicated volunteers, this project would be impossible, Mark stresses. "Throughout the week, a team of seven ladies helps taking care of the flowers, wire gerberas and do various other tasks. During construction and dismantling, this group grows to 20-25 volunteers who are involved in placing the flowers and plants around the jumps."
The technical challenges
Although the creative aspect is less pronounced—given the arena's vast size, where subtle details can get lost—playing with color and crafting a visually striking setting is an art in itself, Mark explains. With years of experience, he knows exactly what works and what doesn't. Beyond aesthetics, the technical side is just as crucial. "Flowers and plants can be moved 10 to 12 times in a single day, so everything must be securely fastened to withstand constant repositioning," he emphasizes.
A special experience
Mark and his team arrived on February 14th, Valentine's Day, to begin preparations and returned home on February 24th. Although it's a long time away from home, it remains a special experience for Mark.
For more information
Mark Frank
Mark Frank Styling
markfrankstyling@gmail.com