Gardening has long been a source of joy and connection, but for many, it has become a way to spread kindness and brighten others’ lives. The Growing Kindness Project, initiated by flower farmer Deanna Kitchen, encourages gardeners to grow and gift homegrown bouquets to those in need, creating a ripple of goodwill that has now reached over 5,000 participants globally.
The Beginnings of the Growing Kindness Movement
Deanna Kitchen’s passion for gardening began as a personal escape. After leaving her teaching job to care for her young children, she found solace in gardening, particularly growing sweet peas. What started as a simple hobby quickly evolved into an opportunity to connect with others. Kitchen began gifting her blooms to local long-term care centers, using flowers as a way to introduce herself to the community and spread joy.
“It was in giving that I realized how much we all benefit,” says Kitchen. She discovered that the act of sharing flowers had a profound impact not just on the recipients, but also on herself, filling a void in her social life and helping others combat isolation.
From a Single Garden to a Global Movement
In 2019, Kitchen’s small-scale initiative blossomed into the Growing Kindness Project, an organized effort to inspire gardeners around the world to share their flowers. Officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2020, the program expanded rapidly, particularly during the challenges of the global pandemic. Many people found comfort in gardening during this time, using their flowers to bring cheer to neighbors, food banks, and even first responders.
Today, the program includes gardeners from various backgrounds and ages, from high school students to seasoned horticulturists in their 80s. It continues to offer free educational resources, including guides and downloadable tags to encourage others to join the kindness movement.
The Healing Power of Giving
One of the most heartwarming stories to emerge from the Growing Kindness Project is that of Amber Bell, who, despite battling stage four cancer, made over 40 bouquets to gift to others in her community. Her story inspired the creation of a legacy scholarship to support other gardeners, ensuring that her spirit of giving continues.
Additionally, the project introduced a “Holiday Cheer” campaign, offering evergreen bouquets during the winter months to combat seasonal isolation. A participant named Ganjana shared how receiving a surprise bouquet helped her overcome social anxiety, giving her the courage to connect with others. This powerful example highlights how flowers not only beautify spaces but also foster emotional healing.
How to Get Involved: Tips for Gifting Flowers
Anyone with a garden, no matter how small, can contribute to spreading kindness through flowers. Here are a few simple tips to start gifting your blooms:
1. Choose Easy-to-Grow Flowers
Start with flowers that are easy to cultivate, like zinnias, sunflowers, calendula, or cosmos. These flowers grow quickly and are perfect for creating beautiful bouquets. Many gardeners also choose heirloom varieties that are unique, fragrant, and not typically found in florist shops.
2. Repurpose Containers as Vases
You don’t need expensive vases to give flowers. Simple containers like mason jars, recycled bottles, or old jam jars work perfectly. The humble nature of these containers makes the gift even more special and personal.
3. Share Bulbs and Tubers
Beyond flowers, consider sharing flower bulbs or tubers with others. Dahlias, in particular, are prolific and can be divided to share with multiple people. This way, recipients not only get flowers but can also start growing their own.
4. Try the “Give Two” Method
Spread even more joy by adopting the “Give Two” approach—offer two bouquets, one for the recipient and one for them to pass along. This simple gesture of generosity creates a chain reaction of kindness, making the giving experience even more rewarding.
5. No Strings Attached
Let your recipients know there are no expectations in return. A simple note or verbal explanation that you grew the flowers just for them is a great way to convey the selfless nature of the gift.
6. Find Thoughtful Recipients
Look for those in need of a little kindness. Whether it’s a lonely neighbor, a sick friend, or a caregiver, a bouquet can be a powerful way to brighten someone’s day.
The Growing Kindness Project is proof that small acts of kindness, like gifting a bouquet of flowers, can have a big impact on individuals and communities. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, you can easily join this global movement and spread joy through the simple act of growing and sharing homegrown flowers. This initiative not only promotes kindness but also nurtures the emotional well-being of both givers and recipients, showing the true power of community and compassion.
