Local Woman Spreads Kindness With Free Flowers

Peterborough’s Ashley Webster is spreading kindness throughout her neighbourhood by leaving free flowers and chalk messages in the south end.

Photo Courtesy of Ashley Webster.

Webster says that sometimes when she cuts the flowers she grows in her garden, she will set some at the end of her driveway in case anyone wants them.

“A neighbour actually came one day to check with me, she saw someone taking them and thought they were stealing,” she said. “I said ‘No, no that’s what they’re there for’.”

Gardening helps Webster handle her OCD. She has been struggling a lot lately because of all of the negativity in the news and gardening is a way to help combat that she says.

One of Websters gardens. Photo courtesy of Ashley Webster

While working in the Mayor’s office, Webster often receives complaints from concerned community members.

“My goal is reminding people that it’s not all bad, this is a really good place to live,” she said.

She hopes that this idea catches on and that other gardeners participate. According to Webster gardeners often have to cut back their flowers this time of year and thinks that this is a great option to get rid of excess.

“I think this is a nice way for people to focus on something positive,” she said.

Webster hopes that this initiative becomes something similar to the sign wars Peterborough participated in earlier this year.

“I felt the sign wars gave everyone a boost when they needed a bit of humour,” she said. “I’ve been sensing that a lot of people are struggling right now. I don’t what it is but I feel like maybe it’s needed right now.”

Webster invites anyone interested in participating to leave flowers outside for someone who may need them or to leave a chalk message to brighten someone’s day.

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