Flowers for Heroes
The Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, which works in partnership with the City of Yonkers to restore Untermyer Park and Gardens, has been closed to the public since March 20, 2020 on account of the pandemic. When Conservancy President, Stephen F. Byrns, realized that over 30,000 daffodils and 9,000 tulips were coming into full bloom without anyone to see them, he decided to ask volunteers to cut as many of them as possible to distribute to hospitals and nursing homes.
“During this time of great national crisis,” Byrns said, “we feel that it would be a welcome sign of hope at springtime to those living in pain and fear. In particular, we want to show our solidarity with those who are caring for the sick, infirm and aged, and bring some brightness and color into their lives.”
Volunteers wearing masks and gloves while keeping at least six feet apart outdoors cut and gathered the tens of thousands of flowers over three days. The flowers were dropped at curbside to be picked up by hospital staff.
Inspired by our donation of daffodils to neighboring hospitals and care facilities, Sylvia Lukach of Cape Lily Floral Design, created a tribute to heroic health care workers that took the shape of the symbol of their profession: the snake-entwined Rod of Asclepius. Ngoc Minh Ngo photographed the serpentine garland that literally snaked around the columns of the Temple of Love. Framed copies of her images will be given to nearby hospitals in gratitude for their service.
“During this time of great national crisis,” Byrns said, “we feel that it would be a welcome sign of hope at springtime to those living in pain and fear. In particular, we want to show our solidarity with those who are caring for the sick, infirm and aged, and bring some brightness and color into their lives.”
Volunteers wearing masks and gloves while keeping at least six feet apart outdoors cut and gathered the tens of thousands of flowers over three days. The flowers were dropped at curbside to be picked up by hospital staff.
Inspired by our donation of daffodils to neighboring hospitals and care facilities, Sylvia Lukach of Cape Lily Floral Design, created a tribute to heroic health care workers that took the shape of the symbol of their profession: the snake-entwined Rod of Asclepius. Ngoc Minh Ngo photographed the serpentine garland that literally snaked around the columns of the Temple of Love. Framed copies of her images will be given to nearby hospitals in gratitude for their service.
All photos by Jessica Norman except those of the completed Temple of Asclepius which are by Ngoc Minh Ngo.