Fifteen thousand daffodils will flower in Daylesford this spring as a reminder of community unity and strength throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
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Owners of Wombat Hill Nursery Jeff and Donna Thornycroft launched the Daylesford Erlicheer project on Thursday.
The initiative encouraged members of the community to pre-purchase Erlicheer daffodil bulbs for themselves and their neighbours at wholesale price to plant outside their Daylesford homes.
Mr Thornycroft said the idea was intended to unite community and provide an activity to do at home.
He said each year when the bulbs flower, they will be a reminder of how the community got through this difficult time.
"We have always traded seven days a week for 27 years. We have cut back to three or four days now since the COVID-19 restrictions came in," Mr Thornycroft said.
"I have a bit more spare time on my hands and started trying to think of something we could do in the town to get everyone united from home. That is when the idea came up."
The initiative was launched on Pozible on Thursday night and all 15,000 bulbs were sold within 48 hours.
"Everyone loves it," Mr Thonrycroft said.
"They think it is such a good idea because it has made everyone happy I suppose.
"I couldn't believe they sold so quick but that is the power of social media and the community here. Everyone has jumped on board."
Mr Thornycroft said many people purchased a bag of bulbs for themselves and also for a neighbour.
He said 1000 bulbs had been pledged for community planting and he would contact council to offer the bulbs for public spaces, like the main street of Daylesford or by the lake.
Some businesses have also purchased bulbs to plant outside their stores.
Mr Thornycroft said the bulbs were expected to be delivered on Thursday and he would then contact customers to arrange a pick up time.
He said he also planned to schedule a day for everyone to plant the bulbs at their homes and to create an event in spring, online if restrictions remain, to celebrate the flowers in bloom.
"As far as the situation goes, we have got to do what we can and this is an example of trying to do something that everyone is going to enjoy and get something out of," Mr Thornycroft said.
"The idea is come this spring, if things are better, everyone can enjoy the flowers.
"If not then the next year they will be flowering again at the same time and we could look back and say 'we have come through it'."
Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
