Ourania: Hello Barbara, could you introduce yourself and tell us the story behind what you do?

Barbara: Hello, I’m Barbara from Stadtblüte. I have been growing flowers right in the heart of Lucerne for four years now.

Just a few years ago, my everyday work life looked completely different: sitting in an office, I dreamed of doing something with my hands again and getting outdoors. When the opportunity arose on very short notice to take over an old section of a cemetery, I took a leap of faith. Today, in addition to the cemetery, I cultivate two other small growing areas in the city. Using these flowers, I create natural, seasonal bouquets and event decorations to order. I dry part of the flowers and also supply fresh blooms for cake decorations. Through workshops and events, I love opening these small oases to others as well. It’s hard for me to imagine working indoors all week anymore. Working in the garden, with flowers, and with people has opened up a whole new world for me.

Ourania: Was there a specific moment when you knew this path was yours, or did it develop slowly over time?

Barbara: Growing up on a mountain farm, I have always had a strong connection to gardening and nature. I initially started an apprenticeship as a gardener and eventually studied landscape architecture.

After working exclusively in an office for several years, I really missed working with my hands. I wanted to change my working situation, so I took a break. During this time off, the idea spontaneously emerged to grow cut flowers on unused spaces. Within a very short time, I founded my company Stadtblüte. For the first three years, I built the business step by step alongside my main job as a landscape architect. Since this year, I have been working full-time for Stadtblüte.

Ourania: What brings you the greatest joy in your day-to-day work?

Barbara: It is incredibly wonderful when people not only enjoy the bouquets, but also appreciate the newly planted green spaces.

My vision is to visually enrich unused green areas in the city while using them productively. I constantly ask myself: What happens to a place when flowers suddenly grow there? How does that affect people? I want to help people reconnect with nature, plants, and animals.

Ourania: What is one quiet, daily ritual in your workday that you cherish the most?

Barbara: Around 10 AM, I usually take a short break. With a cup of coffee, I sit in our green courtyard garden and enjoy this little hidden paradise.

Ourania: What is one subtle detail about your work or process that most people only realize when they see the finished result?

Barbara: I think most people don't realize how much work actually goes into a single bouquet. From the individual seed to the finished bloom, many different and laborious steps are required.

Ourania: What is your favorite tool at work?

**Barbara**: A set of Japanese knives and plant shears.

Ourania: How did our paths cross, and what made you want to bring Atelier Chus pieces into your world?

Barbara: II was looking for Swiss-made vases for a client order, and by chance, I came across Atelier Chus.

I immediately loved Ourania’s work, and the beautiful images caught my eye right away. The handcrafted vases quickly convinced my client—and that’s how a wonderful collaboration began.

Ourania: Which pieces from Atelier Chus have found a place in your space, and how do they fit into your day-to-day life?

Barbara Lantschner from Stadtblüte