“Nothing much really, just a few roses and sprays in the reception and scattered vases in the break area. Ah! And the colobus monkeys are a cheeky delight,” Rohit said casually when I commented on the dazzling beauty as we walked from the parking lot.
This was my first time at DeRuiter’s open day. I had met Rohit Patel at the 2025 IFTEX in Nairobi, and when he invited me to their farm with the Valentine's season coming up, I was keen to learn what one of the global leaders in rose breeding had to offer flower growers and subsequently consumers.
A billion-dollar industry, and growing, Kenyan flower farms are Africa’s leading exporters of fresh cut flowers to Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
“This is the season of the language of flowers; every shade carries with it a deep symbolism of mood and scent. Event organizers need to take advantage of this resource to curate memorable experiences,” he went on as we walked into the reception.
Among vases of varied shades, we sank into soft white armchairs. And as he riffled through a few brochures, I sat back and let the scents intoxicate my senses momentarily, until the smell of a hot coffee mug brought me to.
“With strategic placement, flowers set the ambience flawlessly,” he went on as we took coffee. For centerpieces and table runs, opt for low conversational designs, like floral “runners” down tables with single-stem bud vases or petite ikebana-style arrangements.
“This keeps sightlines open while adding romance, think blush peonies, coral ranunculus, and sage greenery for soft, modern vibes,” he said.
For a wow-factor, creators can explore ceiling installations and drapes.
“For Valentines, hanging floral chandeliers, garlands, or suspended blooms can be shaped into hearts or clouds of petals for an immersive, dreamy ceiling that feels like walking under love itself,” he says.
Moreover, you can welcome guests with lush arches, floral walls, or oversized heart frames bursting with blooms.
“These double as Instagram-worthy spots, boosting engagement and shares,” Rohit explains.
As the conversation progressed, I learnt that this year's floral direction leans away from over-the-top reds toward softer, sculptural, and sustainable designs with more nature-inspired palettes and a sustainability focus.
“Minimalist designs are also becoming increasingly trendy. Designers are opting for airy, asymmetric arrangements with breathing room, less "full" and more artistic.”
Here are a few creative, interactive, and memorable touches that event organizers can explore to make their events even more creative:
- Floral workshops — Host DIY bouquet-making or arrangement sessions for couples or Galentine's groups—guests leave with personalized keepsakes.
- Take-home gifts — Design centerpieces as giveaways (e.g., small potted plants or bud vases) to extend the experience.
- Sensory surprises — Petal-strewn pathways for entrances, scented blooms near seating, or single flowers on pillows for overnight events.
- Themed integrations — Pair flowers with activities, like a flower-crown station or pressed-flower card-making.
As I left the farm that evening after touring the greenhouses and the cold room, it was apparent that flowers are one of the most versatile tools in an event planner's kit, especially for Valentine's Day, where emotion is everything.
By blending symbolism, strategic placement, current trends, and interactive ideas, you can craft experiences that feel intimate, luxurious, and deeply personal.
Start planning early as demand spikes hard! Partner with trusted local florists, and focus on what resonates with your clients' love stories. You can contact TikoHUB for the best ideas on how to curate your Valentine's Day experiences this year.
