Lonely Bouquet is a global movement which encourages people to create small bouquets with a thoughtful message attached, then leave these flowers in public spaces for others to find and keep. This simple act of kindness has the power to transform someone’s day, spreading happiness throughout communities.
On September 9, Ashland Garden Club members created 30 bouquets, and distributed them randomly throughout Ashland for residents to find.
Photos by: Carlotta Lucas, AGC Member
Ashland Garden Club member, Peter Finkle came across this photo while doing research about 4th of July celebrations at the Southern Oregon Historical Society. This photo was taken of an article in the Medford Mail Tribune dated July 5, 1976; it’s about Ashland’s 4th of July parade Grand Prize winner, the Ashland Garden Club. All flowers on the float were real. They were contributed by garden club members and friends!
“Ashland Garden Club took the top prize of all the entries in Sunday’s parade through downtown Ashland.”
Float: Betsy Ross sewing on the first US flag
The purpose of a Lonely Bouquet is to bring people happiness one flower at a time.
Below are just two examples of the many Lonely Bouquets Ashland Garden Club created in June to sit around at random locations in the city for someone to take home.
Article/ Photos by Peter Finkle, AGC member
Ashland Garden Club member, Peter Finkle, has been walking Ashland neighborhoods and writing about Ashland’s history, architecture, gardens, yard art and people. Alida Street was his recent trekking adventure where he discovered:
Ghost stories at 92 Alida
A beautiful mural at 107 Alida
Dramatic flowering trumpet vine at 66 Alida
Writer of Westerns at 81 Alida
“Lord of the Rings” connection at 180 Alida
Follow the link below to read Peter’s article in full; it’s fascinating!
https://walkashland.com/2020/08/09/alida-street-flowers-ghosts-and-art/
Submitted by: Carlotta Lucas, AGC Board Member