FLOURISH
flour-ish (verb)
Defined by The Oxford Dictionary as “(a person, animal, or other living organism) [that grows or develops] in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment.”
Flourish is a therapeutic horticultural program through Nowadays Flowers serving the seacoast of New Hampshire and surrounding areas, that supports mental health and fosters reconnection for both individuals and organizations using the healing power of flowers.
We live in a society that has become reliant on technology and hustle culture. This way of life has caused people to become more disconnected and discontent than ever. During the global pandemic, society was forced to slow down while in isolation, leading people to reconnect with nature, and grow a renewed focus on community. Since then, more and more people have gravitated towards gardening and nature-based activities as a means to reduce stress and connect with others. Research shows that working with nature can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
We believe that beauty can change our perspectives and inspire wonder. Hands-on experiences with flowers can help us access more joy, creativity, mindfulness, peace, and connection with both nature and the people around us. Through Flourish, we offer programming such as classes and workshops in flower arranging, gardening, painting and crafts, flower and herb scent-based memory work, as well as custom programming based on an individual or organizations' needs.
WORK WITH US
We partner with small businesses, hospitals, caregiver groups, schools, and organizations to host programming for their community, patients, and/or their employees. Previous Flourish programming and partnerships have included:
Flower arranging classes for hospital patients
A bouquet bar set up for caregivers
Flower crown creation for middle school and high school programs
Kids flower & art camp
Holiday wreath making for staff appreciation
Buy one-give one campaigns to support flower bouquet donations to assisted living facilities
Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive community around flowers That helps people thrive in everyday life and through challenging times.
Why this program + Why now?
I turned to nature at a time in my life when I felt untethered. Immersing myself in the beauty of flowers gave me hope and inspiration. And the experience of working with them translated into other areas of my life. I was calmer, and started appreciating things around me. But I also felt more confident in my abilities and a renewed sense of purpose.
In my prior work as an Intuitive Eating Counselor, I helped women feel more connected with food and their bodies. This felt like a completely separate world, until I realized flowers were simply another tool for connection. I became certified in Therapeutic Horticulture through The University of North Carolina in 2024, and we began trialing our Flourish programs in 2025.
Most of us humans are feeling varying degrees of mental health challenges right now. Not everyone, not all the time, but it’s a serious crisis, magnified by the digital landscape and our busy modern lives. The future of our country and our world is feeling uncertain right now. People need tools and practices to feel better and engaging with beauty is one that’s easily accessible, and I believe flowers can be a portal into deeper healing.
Photo by Hannah Mac Studios