Share the love: In JoCo, floral arrangements ‘rebloom’ for those in need of cheer

More than flowers are added to the arrangements from Unexpected Blooms. Also filling the floral pieces: caring from a bouquet of strangers.

Unexpected Blooms takes donated flowers and vases to create floral arrangements delivered to healthcare facilities. It’s a simple concept and a simple gesture that brings as much joy to those who give as to those who receive.

The nonprofit expects to deliver more than 200 arrangements in October alone.

Just like the flowers and vases they repurpose, Unexpected Blooms is finding a second chance.

“After one of our founders unexpectedly died, COVID hit and Unexpected Blooms, like many nonprofits, had to pause our services,” said Nancy Williams, chairwoman of the organization’s board.

“But we weren’t defeated. We are resilient. This spring, we began to bloom again.”

Williams and A.J. Miller, another volunteer, are heading up the reopening of Unexpected Blooms.

“We believed in the mission,” Williams said. “We wanted to continue to bring joy through flowers to folks who needed to know someone cares. We knew that people would want to be a part of an effort that improves the well-being of a vulnerable populations.”

Unexpected Blooms volunteers do their work in donated workspace at two churches: Village Presbyterian on Antioch and Ward Parkway Presbyterian.

About 40 people have volunteered since the organization opened up again in April.

“We have been so excited to welcome new volunteers,” Williams said.

“People want to make a difference — to create floral arrangements to enrich the lives of seniors. There’s a human need to reach out, to be a part of something bigger than themselves.”

Williams said there is a ripple effect with the flower deliveries.

“Considering that staff and family members often benefit from the unexpected delivery and sweet scents, we estimate that seven people are touched by each arrangement,” Williams said. “And add to that the happiness of volunteers and those who donate their flowers; what seems as a simple hand-off becomes an impactful service for lots of people.”

Flowers are donated from weddings, wholesalers and events.

Those getting married nowadays are more environmentally aware, Williams said.

“There are many young people who are wanting more purpose for their flowers,” she said. “We are sustaining their beauty for a little bit longer and delivering personal moments of kindness.”

Wedding planner Sarah Quinlivan agreed.

“For years now our couples have asked, and we have encouraged, donating their flowers at the end of the night,” said Quinlivan, owner and lead planner at Quintessential Events. “It is a wonderful way to extend the beauty of a wedding day to other people, especially those in hospitals, hospice or nursing home facilities who could use a little extra joy at that moment.

“Everyone loves fresh flowers. Once a wedding or event is over, those flowers, sadly, generally end up being disposed of. What Unexpected Blooms has allowed us to do is take those gorgeous flowers and give them additional life. Our couples love knowing their flowers are continuing to make people’s days.”

And that’s exactly what happens, said Helen Ravenhill, life enrichment director at Bishop Spencer Place.

“Those who donate their flowers to Unexpected Blooms are incredibly thoughtful and generous, as are the tireless volunteers who expertly rearrange these flowers and deliver them to communities like ours to enjoy,” Ravenhill said.

“They arrive with so many vases of beautiful flowers, which we deliver to our residents in assisted living and skilled nursing. If you could only see the smiles.”