Thirty isolated seniors received three deliveries of horticultural therapy bags in the long cold 2024-2025 winter. Thank you to the Ottawa Community Foundation for the funds for this highly appreciated program. Some of the items in the bags included narcissus bulbs, Amaryllis bulbs, soil, seeds, pots, books, herbs, and journals among other things.
From one of our community partners-
“Volunteers delivered these bags to seniors who lived alone, and their faces lit up as they received them. For many, winter could feel isolating, with fewer opportunities to go out and socialize. But now, they had something to nurture—something to look forward to. With the included instructions, seniors planted the bulbs in their homes, carefully tending to them each day. Slowly, green shoots emerged, followed by delicate blossoms that brought unexpected joy. The sight of vibrant flowers blooming in their living rooms and kitchens became a source of pride. Many proudly shared photos of their flourishing plants on our Diverse Seniors WhatsApp group, eager to show how their small indoor gardens were thriving despite the cold outside. Beyond the beauty of the flowers, the therapy bags had a deeper impact. Caring for the plants gave seniors a renewed sense of purpose and routine, improving their mental well-being. The simple act of watering, watching, and waiting for flowers to bloom created moments of mindfulness, reducing stress and loneliness.
One participant, M. A. shared his experience: ‘I never thought a little flower could bring so much happiness. Every morning, I check my flower plant, and when I see a new bud, it feels like a little gift. And the honey—it’s the best I’ve had in years!’
A.said ‘I wish to share my happiness when I saw these beautiful flowers with rich colors blooming in my apartment in winter. Which gave me a feeling and hope that the future is always bright and that nothing is impossible if you give it the necessary attention’.
The program fostered a sense of community, as participants shared their gardening successes and connected through their experiences. This initiative not only provided gardening supplies but also cultivated happiness, warmth, and a strong sense of belonging among vulnerable seniors, reminding everyone that life can bloom even in winter.”
