We have all seen the pictures of empty pubs, cinemas and high streets and heard so many upsetting and tragic stories. Horticulture too has a story of loss and sacrifice, and the lockdown could not have come at a worse possible time for us. Before the spring is done, many millions of plants will be composted. However, springtime is a time for renewal, so our story is also one of hope.
The Scottish industry have come together to create something - a message of hope for all that are suffering. With plants destined for the compost heap and packs for recycling. We'd like to share with you our interpretation of the worldwide symbol of hope.
Florainbow of Hope
The growing and the planting of plants is one of the most optimistic things people can do – we plant with the expectation for future reward, we all plant for tomorrow. Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow, don’t stop thinking about your garden. As we look forward to tomorrow, why not create your own interpretation of the Florainbow of Hope. We must thank Garry Young and his family for bringing this living flowering rainbow to our screens.
“Through the sheer sadness and financial losses we all face due to Covid-19, yesterday we took pride and had smiles on our faces when making this living Rainbow of Hope”, said grower Garry Young. "We will get through this, together."
Meanwhile, in Holland the The Flower Council of Holland Bloemenbureau Holland is doing everything in its power to bring flowers to the consumer's attention in a positive and appropriate manner. That is why the consumer campaign ‘Let hope bloom’ was launched on Friday 27 March. The campaign will run in Germany, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, and will be boosted through advertisements in daily newspapers and via online and social media.
Floral message of hope
Flowers offer a powerful symbolism and speak the international language of love and friendship, of gratitude, support and consolation. And of hope. That is why we are delivering a message with flowers now. Whether you can actually bring them into your home or not, they are sparks of hope in these turbulent times.
Campaign packed with hope and positive news
The campaign consists of videos and photos of a large floral sculpture containing the message 'Let hope bloom' in floral letters. We thereby want to show people that flowers will always be there, and give hope to the countries and people who are being hit hard. Everyone can share this floral message via social media with the universal message #lethopebloom.
About the project
Over 200,000 stems of different flowers were purchased and used to make two impressive floral creations in two days. A team of twenty people worked on this installation. All safety measures have been closely observed and the current mood within society has been taken into account. Production took place in an area of 50 by 80 meters. The Dutch Flower Group has opened up its grounds for this, and working with its growers, it offered solutions for logistical and practical cooperation.