A few weeks ago, my friend’s daughter was admitted to the hospital. I went to visit her—just to spend time and cheer her up. She played with the other children, and we left her laughing and full of life. But as I returned to the farm, something tugged at me:
I hadn’t brought any flowers.
And that thought really stayed with me.
Here I was—working with flowers every day, surrounded by beauty and fragrance. Yet it didn’t even cross my mind to bring a simple bouquet. And then it hit me: in Kenya, flowers are tied to big life events—graduations, weddings, funerals. Rarely do we use them in everyday life. Gifting a friend, sibling, or colleague flowers “just because” is almost unheard of. It’s not part of our culture… yet.
And that’s how Healing Bouquets was born.
On December 13th, 2024, our team visited Kenyatta National Hospital, carrying bunches of fresh flowers from the farm. We went to the cancer wards and maternity wing, placing blooms in the hands of patients, new mothers, and healthcare workers.
The reactions were unforgettable.
One woman, frail from illness, sat up just to tell me, “Because you brought me these flowers, I will get well. I will leave this hospital healthy and alive.” Her words cut deep into my soul. She felt seen, loved, and hopeful—all because of flowers.
Another asked, “What made you leave your house to come here? What made you think of me?”
The truth is, we believed in what flowers could do—not just in decor, but in connection. Studies have shown that flowers have a positive impact on emotional health, reducing anxiety, increasing happiness, and even helping with recovery. A Rutgers University study found that receiving flowers triggers “true, positive emotional reactions” in 100% of recipients, improving mood and strengthening personal connections.
That day at Kenyatta reminded us:
💐 Flowers are more than decoration. They are healing. They are hope. They are love.
At Dreaming Flora, we hope to encourage a shift in how Kenyans see flowers—not only for milestones, but for everyday kindness. To call a sister. To check on a friend. To remind someone they’re not alone.
Because sometimes, a single flower can say what a thousand words cannot.
