Flowers connect

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Training on basics of garden design, flower-binding, rose cultivation and trade, as well as the use of blossoms to empower women.

Description of the activity

Through the “language of flowers”, contacts can be established more easily and language and social barriers can be overcome more quickly. A group of women, refugees and migrants, as well as Germans from Grone, participated in the project and took part in the design and maintenance of the flower project. On an area of about 300 m², various species of perennials and summer flowers from different regions of the world were planted and sown in the association’s peace garden. The project also included the basics of garden design, flower arrangement, seminars on herbs, on rose cultivation and trade, as well as the use of rose and herb blossoms.

Competences

The instructor /instructors need to have horticultural knowledge, and should be preferably women as the activity is dedicated to women. The instructors need to have practical gardening knowledge on how to establish a flowerbed and how to maintain it over time. This includes the selection of seeds that look optically pleasing.

Steps for the implementation of the activity

The group needs to agree which flowers/ seeds to incorporate in the bed. This provides an exchange of horticultural knowledge and experiences from the women’s country of origin. As all the home countries are part of the project, reflected through flowers, it is a sign of equality.

The group prepares the bed for planting, which includes digging, incorporation of fertiliser and soil as well as an exchange of skills and knowledge through these practical activities.

The Women need to agree, how and when they take care of the flowerbed. This teaches shared responsibility.

Implementation of the agreement. The group of women meet regularly for other activities in the project (see above).

Materials and methods

The activity is suitable for anyone who wishes to participate in the activity.

Infrastructure:
For this activity not much infrastructure is needed, apart from a gardening plot or raised that bed that should be cultivated. Irrigation facilities if possible are also ideal.

Materials and human resources:
The activity requires women that regularly care for the plot or bed. This includes pulling weeds, watering, and potentially removing flowers affected by pests, or otherwise not visually pleasing anymore. A variety of seeds are needed.

Time/Workload:
In an agreed range of time (once, twice a week depending on weather conditions/ period of the year), the group members need to take care of the bed/ plot.

Costs:
Depending on the budget available, the project can be carried out with a bigger budget or done on a very small budget. In case the participating women have seeds or plants from their home country available, the cost is relatively low. If plants, potentially perennials and ornamental shrubs need to be purchased the project can be rather expensive.

Learning outcomes for the participants

The participants experience cultural exchange and friendship, as the group of women meets regularly. The activity is dedicated to community building and uses the language of flowers to connect women. The women are equal contributors and learners in the group, as they share experiences and skills related to flowers. The origin and customs are reflected in the project as the seeds / flowers planted come from these women’s country of origin.

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