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Volunteer jobs can be very satisfying, but the Wright-Locke Farm’s “Flower Ladies” go home with more than satisfaction.
“It’s flower therapy,” says Mary Farrell.
Edward Drive resident Farrell started creating floral arrangements years ago when one of the original volunteers (99-year-old Lillian Cohen, who’s since moved out of state) said she needed help. Farrell says she doesn’t do well growing flowers, but she she loves arranging them.
“A good arrangement,” she says, “depends on color and balance, plus enough space for a butterfly to fly through.”
Flower manager Syrah McGivern says, “We couldn’t do this without the flower ladies. They’re willing to do every task — not only arranging but weeding, harvesting, washing the buckets and cleaning up the area.”
The dozen volunteers are mostly Winchester residents, and some are from Arlington and other nearby communities.
Stacie Paganis volunteers weekly and introduced her friend Francesca Fagnani-Coor to flower arranging. A graphic designer, Faganini-Coor helps at the farm because “it’s creative and unlike my computer work, it’s hands-on. It makes me feel more connected to the community.”
“It’s my sanctuary,” Paganis adds. “I love the people here — they care so much about tending to the land.”
The organic flower arrangements are sold at the farm and also at the Winchester and Medford farmers markets. Winchester sells about 25 of them each Saturday for $20, while at Medford smaller arrangements cost $10. The farm also sells 60 arrangements each week through their CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture).
The farm also has a pick-your-own field on the honor system, although McGivern says those beds are pretty much gone. They dry flowers, too, for use with wreaths and fall arrangements.
Residents are welcome to donate containers with wide openings.
