Hey GPODers!
Today’s submission is one that gives you those warm-and-fuzzy feelings. It started with a message from Elizabeth on behalf of her friend, Sue:
Hello, Fine Gardening. My friend, Sue Carney, turned her yard into a lovely cut-flower garden three years ago. Last year she gave away 1,000 bouquets of flowers along with endless smiles of delight. For this season, I created and gave Sue a new whimsical flower house to reflect Sue’s kindness and love of giving.
Obviously, we couldn’t wait to hear and see more. Elizabeth got us in touch with Sue, and the story of this fabulous, cut-flower garden unfolded. Below you can see and read how a simple idea to share flowers turned into a space that connects the community and allows Sue to share her love for gardening with every friendly face that stops by.
Three years ago I enlarged my garden to replace my front yard so I could grow flowers to share with others.
I realized this wasn’t a new idea as I posted photos on Instagram and stumbled upon Steph Hankerson’s flower house, based on the free little library movement. Each day she put out flowers and a description of the contents of each bouquet.
A friend built a similar house for me, but this year when it needed to be replaced, artist Elizabeth Schoonmaker and her husband, John, volunteered. They picked up the flower house, stripped it to the frame, and designed and painted a new structure that reflected “my whimsical, interactive, garden installation.” Those were Beth’s words and her mission, and she executed it brilliantly. People have sent me messages about being able to see its new blue roof from a block away!
Last year I was able to give away 1,004 free bouquets to old and new friends.
Even after just a quick
Read more on finegardening.com