In her wildest dreams, Linda Wallenstein never could have imagined what a blessin planting zinnias in her front yard would be.
Wallenstein – who lives on Main Street in Jaffrey – has allowed passersby to come by and pick three of “God’s flowers,” from her colorful selection of zinnias throughout the summer.
“I’m really shocked, I never expected this kind of response,” said Wallenstein, who said at least one person has stopped almost every day since she put the sign in her front yard. “It’s such a gift to know that people’s lives are being impacted by my flowers.”
Wallenstein, who retired in December, said she has always planted some type of flower in her yard, but this was the first year she offered them for picking.
The idea to allow people to pick the flowers, according to Wallenstein, came after multiple people began acknowledging her flowers.
“I’m really glad I did it,” said Wallenstein. “I’m really happy that people are able to enjoy the flowers.”
The biggest surprise for many, according to Wallenstein, is the amount of respect people have given to her one rule: three flowers per person. Wallenstein said people have been so respectful of the rule that someone once tried to stop her daughter from picking more than three.
Wallenstein said her daughter was picking flowers one day and went over the three flower limit, causing a passerby to scold her.
Wallenstein said that because people respected the rule, more flowers continued to take place of the ones that were cut. Wallenstein speculates that she actually has more zinnias in her yard now than she started the season with.
More so than the respect for her rule, Wallenstein never expected the level of response that she has received.
Wallenstein said she has been given loaves of banana bread and a number of personal notes, thanking her for the act of kindness.
“Several people have left notes with very touching stories,” said Wallenstein. “Many people have told me what these flowers meant to them; it’s such a blessing.”
Janice Williams of Jaffrey is one of the many people to have stopped by Wallenstein’s house to pick the flowers.
Despite the rain on Tuesday, Williams still made it a point to pick up some flowers for some special people in her life.
“I visit two elderly woman twice a week and I think they would love these,” said Williams. “I drive by these flowers almost every day and I finally decided to stop.”
Wallenstein’s act of kindness is coming to a close this year, as her flowers have maybe one or two weeks left this season, but she is already planning for next year. Wallenstein said she wants to plant more flowers next year..
“I’m thankful to God that I could plant these flowers and share these moments with the people who I have met because of this,” said Wallenstein. “The blessing I’ve received from all this is tremendous.”
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com. He is also on Twitter @nhandyMLT.