Dropping off Joy
By Liz Lark-Riley, Rockledge Gardens
It has been a strange year, to say the least. I miss my friends, we’ve missed having school to occupy our son’s days, I miss dressing up. But overall, I’m filled with gratitude. Grateful that I still have my job, grateful that my husband has had so much quality time with our kiddo, and grateful to have worked our family budget in such a way that we can drop off a little joy from time to time.
I was at a conference for garden center managers in early February and one of the speakers talked about how much fun she has collecting flowers from her home garden, putting them in an empty salad dressing bottle and leaving them on a co-worker’s desk for no special reason other than to brighten their day. I LOVED this idea and as soon as I got home I ransacked my pantry for empty bottles and jars (that I seem to have been hoarding for this very reason without knowing it) and made a little bouquet from my flower garden for each of my fellow back-office staff at Rockledge Gardens.
These days the office is relatively quiet as we’ve sent home everyone whose work can be done from home. I find myself longing for connection, like everyone, at a time when it is ill-advised to see one’s friends and family. This is where dropping off joy comes into play.
I don’t know about you but GIFTS are definitely one of my love languages. I’m pretty sure I started to fall in love with my now husband when, during our courtship he dropped an origami flower he had made for me in the tip jar at the Starbucks where I was working. So without further ado...here are my best ideas for how you can drop of some joy to your loved ones, even when you can’t give them the hug you so desperately want to give:
For your parent friends who are struggling to keep their kids busy:
Drop off one of Rockledge Gardens’ Container Garden Kits including all the supplies your pals need to create something beautiful and entertain the little ones for a little while.
Pick-up (and then drop-off) a unique tea set from Mrs. Mango and Company so that parents can start a tea-time tradition to break up those long afternoon hours (I did this with my son and it’s such a sweet and special time for us! Plus it eats up a good 45 minutes)
Pack up a box of toys, clothes, books that your older kids no longer use and drop them off to your friend who’s going insane because their little kids need them to be ON. ALL. DAY.
For your friend working from home who now needs their living space to be an indoor jungle to prevent stir-crazed madness:
A houseplant bundle for those new to indoor gardening!
A cutting from one of your houseplants to nurture and spread your obsession. Pothos are especially easy to propagate and give away, see how here!
For your mom who’s starting a Victory Garden:
A beautiful new fruit tree!
For your friends and family who live far away:
Tees and swag that rep local brands (especially great for your pals who USED to live here): Rockledge Gardens garden pun tees, swag from Just Okay Co. (so many super-relevant sentiments to be found here).
A sweet card on beautiful locally made card stock from Love Betty Designs!
Fabric face masks...for your fashionista friend who needs a collection for wardrobe planning purposes. From Diana’s Handmade Stuff (available at Rockledge Gardens) or any of the awesome local makers featured here!