Florist leaves ‘lonely bouquets’ in random places to make strangers smile
The ‘flower fairy’ leaves arrangements at bus stops, car parks and bridges
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A florist has been leaving free flower arrangements in public places in a bid to brighten people’s days.
Amanda Meese, the 44-year-old owner of Amanda’s Flowers in Oldbury, West Midlands, has gifted strangers with almost 20 bouquets since she started carrying out the small acts of kindness in June.
Meese leaves the arrangements in a range of public places, such as at bus stops, car parks and outside nurseries, posting photographs of the flowers as “clues” of where to find them on her Facebook page.
Meese told The Independent she was initially inspired by National Lonely Bouquet Day.
Taking place in June, the annual event sees florists dedicate a whole day to making strangers happy by leaving their arrangements in public places for people to find.
But following the overwhelmingly positive response she received after leaving the first six bouquets, she decided to continue.
“I enjoy doing it and making people smile,” Meese said, adding that she wanted to be able to brighten people’s moods during the pandemic.
“We’ve all had a bad year with lockdowns, lockdown Christmas and not being able to see friends and family.
“It’s been an awful year all around, and everyone just needed a bit of cheering up.”
Meese’s flower scheme has since gone viral on Facebook, with the latest post being viewed more than 40,000 times.
“Lonely Bouquets awaiting a new home.. I’ve played the flower fairy and randomly left six bouquets to be found.. Hope they make someone smile this weekend,” she wrote in the caption.
The post has since received comments from a few of the lucky locals who found the flowers.
“I’m one of the lucky finders. Thank you so much. Have had a rubbish week and they really have brightened my day,” one recipient said.
Another person found an arrangement on a bridge while walking their dog.
“They have been given a lovely home with my parents who were on my route. What an absolute treat. Thank you so much,” the user said.
Meese also revealed that one person who found a bouquet had decided to gift them to a district nurse who was treating their brother as a thank you for her service.
“I brought them home and passed them on to the district nurse who was touched to have received them,” the person wrote in an email.
“The result of this was to put a smile on my face, my brother’s face and also a reward to an important care worker.”
Meese has received a similarly positive response on social media.
“This is beautiful, what a lovely thing. Nice to know there are still selfless people out there. Well done, you are a diamond,” one Facebook user said.
Another wrote: “A beautiful act of kindness and such beautiful flowers.”
While Meese confirmed that she plans to carry on leaving the arrangements for people to find, she did not disclose when the next batch will be left.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments