Caring for more than Flowers

Patients in hospitals have a lot on their minds.  They’re very ill and trying to get well. They are worried about the future.  And they worry about the welfare of those they love and the things they love during their absence.

When her mother was in the hospital fighting cancer, Laura Lee Lukunich didn’t want her mom to worry about the thing she most enjoys; her flower gardens. Laura dedicated herself to caring for her mom’s flower beds while she was hospitalized.

Flowers and fun finds combined at Sandys

Laura knew how much it meant for her mom, Sandy Reece, of Mechanicsburg, to know that her flowers were taken care of with a passion similar to her own.  Each time she visited her mom, Laura would update her on what was blooming, and how things were growing.  She would bring photos.

When Sandy was released after a two week stay, she couldn’t wait to check out her yard.

“ I could hardly walk, but the first thing I did was walk around the house and look at my flower beds,” said Sandy.

Rudbeckia and sedum in bloom

It had been a difficult period for Laura.  She’d weeded and watered her mom’s garden feeling very emotional.  She’d thought of other folks going through similar things.   Then it dawned on her.  Why not start a service that would care for flower gardens for those battling illnesses?  Thus, “Passion for Mother’s Flowers” was born.

Laura has founded this service  which offers care for flower gardens while people are recovering from illnesses.  And she is planning a garden where others can memorialize loved ones lost to cancer through flowers.

“She’s doing this because of her love for her mother, “ said Sandy.

Sandy's pond bordered with flowers

While recuperating, people need all their energy to devote to fighting their illness, Laura believes.  This is “A Passion for Mother’s Flower’s” motto;  “We keep your passion for your flowers alive while you focus on healing.”

Sandy is home now and just weeks after coming up with the concept, Laura has a staff of volunteers and a list of sponsors.    She has a site for a “plant a seed and remember garden.”

Several planted containers decorate Sandy's garden

Following Sandy’s advice, the weeding and watering service will, “Keep the price low . . . keep the Passion high.”  To cover expenses, there will be a $10 an hour charge and 5% of that will be donated to cancer research.  To begin, the service will be offered to neighbors in Camp Hill and surrounding areas.

Laura is still planning and looking for more volunteers.  She hopes for landscape design help for the plant a seed and remember garden.  She hopes to be able to offer other services to those with serious illnesses so she is looking for partners to offer lawn maintenance.  If you think you can help, reach Laura through “Passion for Mother’s Flowers.”