The power of spring blooms drew Nebraskans by the carloads to the Horticulture Club's Mental Health Plant Distribution event, held May 21 on East Campus.
The first-ever event was organized after COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln student club's annual spring plant sale. Students grow and care for the plants sold in the fundraiser, however this year they had to abandon their plants when the university shutdown in response to the global pandemic in mid-March. Club co-advisers, Stacy Adams and Terri James continued to care for the plants. The students decided to give the plants away as a way to help the community.
Stacy Adams, associate professor of practice in agronomy and horticulture, loads a flat of plants into a vehicle. Craig Chandler | University CommunicationThe giveaway was divided into morning and afternoon sessions. The event drew hundreds with cars lining up two hours prior to the start of the morning session. The first giveaway of 100 prepackaged plant assortments was completed in 22 minutes. Some of those who did not receive plants remained in line, waiting for the afternoon session.
As the final morning assortment was handed over, a young woman in the car yelled a thank you and said she was shaking due to excitement. The flowers were for her mother.
Learn more about the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Horticulture Club.
