Bringing flowers to the ones fighting COVID-19 on the front line, laying down a rose for everyone that lost their lives to this pandemic, sending a kind message to the flower field tourists that cannot come this year and promoting home gardening. Over the last days, again several initiatives worldwide have been undertaking to offer emotional support, give hope and joy. See below a compilation of some of the floral actions of last week.
US - Designer Tu Blooms donates carnations to hospital
Flower designer, Tu Bloom, brought flowers to the people, who are fighting against coronavirus on the front line like in hospitals, fire stations, police, and nonprofit organizations. The flowers he donated were the Mooncarnations of breeder Suntory Flowers; carnations he is familiar with as he has used them for the decoration of the Grammy awards evening, together with Suntory's Applause rose.
Click here for more pictures on the Facebook page of TU Bloom.
"These photos remind us of the power of flowers, that is, flowers bring smiles to people under any circumstances."
Kenya - Grower PJ Dave lays down roses daily for each of the people across the globe that have lost their lives to this pandemic
"As Kenya and the world suffers a silent war, the enemy doesn’t discriminate. Innocent people dying alone without their loved ones by their sides. No final words to hear. No hands to hold. No last goodbyes. It’s a difficult time for us all. As we write this the world-wide death toll is over 137,000. Whilst so many families will forgo the right to perform their final rites, here at the PJ Dave we will be laying down roses daily for each of the people across the globe that have lost their lives to this pandemic. With love from our family to yours."
Why a rose? "The 35-million-year-old flower whose history has been enshrined in love and hope. The perfect symbol of our compassion and courage. We urge you to stay strong in these difficult times but remember just as a rose will grow towards the light, we too will get through this."
"Kaa Salama (Stay Safe)"
Netherlands - Daffodil grower P. Pennings greets non-visiting tourists
When they're there, we're often not satisfied, but when they're not there, it is very empty. That's what Rik Pennings of tulip and daffodil nursery P. Pennings says. He left the following kind message for all the tourists that he cannot welcome this year, see the image below.
The message is made out of tulips that have been topped manually. Usually, bulb flowers are topped with a machine, by which the flowers are separated from the bulbs so that they can grow a little more. From today, also the other beds will be topped. The bulbs will remain in the ground for several weeks and then will be taken out of the ground, "grubbing up".
Picture credits: www.DutchDaffodils.com and www.TulipsinHolland.com
US: PHS Invites Everyone to Get Gardening…for the Greater Good
Besides donating and showing flowers, also efforts are being undertaken to get out in the garden and start gardening. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), the organization that produces the world-famous Philadelphia Flower Show and contributes a year-round impact in the form of tree plantings, jobs training, community greening, and public landscapes, for example, is offering everyone the opportunity to cultivate their growing interests with a visit to the new PHS website at www.PHSonline.org.
“Especially as we can’t gather together physically right now due to COVID-19 regulations on safety, PHS wants to be the go-to resource for gardeners and for anyone who believes in the power of plants and green space and wants to combine those interests to make a difference. This website is our way of welcoming everyone,” says Lisa Stephano, Chief Marketing Officer.