floranthropy:
using flowers philanthropically as a celebration of beauty, love and life
go to bed knowing you did something good today
Many of us have a heart-felt desire to give back to others but despite our best intentions, it's all too easy for each day to go by and yet again we haven't taken action.
The Floral Project offers a simple way to use the resources you already have - your garden - and contribute to your community at the same time.
Giving back in a way that brings beauty, environmental benefit and meaning into our lives and those of others.
Gardeners all around the UK are starting their own floral projects and creating a cut flower patch and growing flowers to give. I'd love to invite you to join us.
your flowers matter
Feelings of isolation and loneliness are all too common amongst many in our communities.
There are many wonderful organisations that provide befrienders to those who are housebound or vulnerable, but after that visit is over, imagine if that volunteer could leave behind a simply vase of flowers to remind that person that they are loved and thought about all week long.
To remind them that an appreciation of beauty, love and the feeling of being alive are available to all of us, no matter what.
Never before has the feeling of community been stronger. Never has the need to bring lightness to the lives of the vulnerable seemed more important.
about you
You might be an experienced gardener and flower-grower, you might love gardening but new to growing cut flowers, or you may never have stepped into your garden before.
But if you love the idea of growing cut flower to give, have some outside space and, want to get involved in a meaningful project alongside like-minded people, all growing to give, I'd love to invite you to join us.
about me
My name is Nicola Bird and I'm a flower junkie:)
As I’ve been spending time in the garden over the past few months, I’ve found a solace in nature. The act of sowing seeds, watching nature do its thing regardless of the latest news stories and the hope for the future that comes with planting a garden has surprised me with it’s therapeutic nature.
I’m so grateful flowers found me in 2020. I hope they find you too.
the floral project plan
1. download the guide
Download the 10 Flowers to Grow Guide to let you know which flowers are great to sow and grow this month.
2. buy seeds
See our Flower Kits to help you get started in the simplest, easiest way possible with high quality seeds selected for you to sow this month.
3. start growing
We can help with what to plant when, whichever month you decide to join us and our communtiy will support you with how to grow the healthiest flowers possible for the most blooms.
4. give flowers
We'll help you find people in your local community that will appreciate your beautiful flowers and the thoughtfulness with which they have been grown.
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the first step
Want to start growing, but not sure where to start?
In this short printable guide, I've hand-picked ten simple, beautiful flowers to start your cut flower garden and very own floral project in July.
As Seen In...
about the floral project
I know you are the kind of person that wants to give something back and make a contribution. In order to do that, you need a simple way to take action.
The problem is you don't want to give up your day-job and take a volunteering role, donating money doesn't give you the connection you're seeking and because you can't figure out what to do, you end up doing nothing. Which makes you feel crap :(
I believe it's wrong that anyone that wants to contribute struggles to find a way to do so.
And I know what it's like to want a meaningful project to engage with where you can learn and contribute at the same time.
That's why I created The Floral Project - to make it as simple and easy as possible for you start. To contribute to people in your local community that could really do with a smile by using a resource you already have - your garden - in way that takes as much or as little time as you have available.
Plus you get to learn a new skill, the bees will love you and you'll have a flower-filled house for yourself into the bargain!
Here's how it works.
1. Download the 10 Flowers to Grow Guide to let you know which flowers are great to sow and grow this month.
2. Buy seeds
3. Start growing.
4. Pick and give your flowers.
Take the first step - start your cut flower patch and go to bed every night knowing you did something good today.
people like you are doing this!
"It felt like all my birthdays had come at once!"
June
Flower Recipient
I get a sense of peace and purpose. Peace because of the process and nurturing the plants from seed and purpose because of what the end goal will be to give but also because I just love the interest it has cultivated in me as a person. It's such a good project and great bunch of people.
Rachel
Floral Project Member
This has been the loveliest project in lockdown - we’ve learned loads and seeing flowers appearing from seeds that we’ve down has made us happier than I’d have ever known. Slowing down to the sound of life - that’s what it’s felt like!
Deany
Floral Project Member
I haven’t started yet as waiting for my seeds to arrive however I have found you really personable, responsive and helpful. I’m sure I will have many more questions too! The videos you put up make the whole project seem very accessible, especially for a beginner like me.
Joanne
Floral Project Member
My seeds arrived today and I am sooooo excited to start planting them at the weekend. I love being part of this project and following what everyone is doing. From tiny seedlings to seeing the flowers emerge, it’s all so relaxing. Im almost ready to make a few posies.
Jo
Floral Project Member
I am thoroughly enjoying everything about this project. Growing flowers to give away, along with people from all over the uk, is one of the most positive things I’ve ever been involved in.
Alison
Floral Project Member
It is so rewarding to watch your seeds germinate and gradually grow. It’s peaceful and relaxing as you focus so much of your energy on them , willing them on. I am awaiting the blooms but have enjoyed giving lots of the plants away to friends so they can enjoy them too.
Jacqueline
Floral Project Member
" Nicola contacted us earlier this year to tell us about the flower giving project she has created. When she spoke about sowing seeds and home-grown cut flowers and sharing these with the local community her enthusiasm and passion was catching and we wanted to be part of it! We loved her ideas on how this could benefit the local community. Many of our clients suffer from loneliness and isolation. Their environment can play an important role when it comes to their wellbeing, so it is important to have objects in place that will help increase their positivity. With the help of The Floral Project, we can provide a small bunch of flowers for our clients on a regular basis. We are therefore delighted to be working with Nicola."
Jackie and Sheila
Woking Age Concern