How a sudden nursery crisis sparked a community-wide act of kindness
In short: When the pandemic caused 200 nurseries to cancel their orders, Tim Drewitt faced a surplus of beautiful, perishable stock. Instead of letting the bulbs go to waste, he launched a mission to distribute flowers to his neighbors, turning a commercial disaster into a lesson in outward-looking generosity.
For Tim Drewitt, the owner of Drewitt’s Bulbs, the COVID-19 lockdowns presented a devastating economic challenge. The nursery, which has been under his leadership for 17 years, saw approximately 200 nurseries drop their orders, leaving the business in a precarious position. Faced with a massive surplus of stock—including high-quality daffodils—Drewitt decided to pivot from a commercial mindset to a philanthropic one.
He initiated what he calls 'random acts of kindness,' delivering over 4,500 plants directly to the letterboxes and car doors of local residents. To ensure the recipients knew the gift was intentional, the team included notes with the deliveries. This initiative was not merely a way to manage inventory; Drewitt, who is also a qualified youth worker and head of student welfare at a local school, used the program to involve students in the process. The goal was to teach the children the value of thinking 'outwards rather than inwards' during difficult periods.
Beyond the social impact, the nursery remains a massive horticultural operation, supplying over 500,000 bulbs annually to both independent nurseries and large corporations. The work is highly technical, involving specialist machinery to multiply, lift, divide, and clean bulbs. While many gardeners focus on spring varieties, Drewitt suggests that incorporating summer-flowering bulbs like lilies, gladioli, and dahlias can ensure a garden blooms throughout the year. He also notes that while some bulbs like tulips can be replanted annually, others, like lilies, possess perennial root systems that allow them to grow significantly larger over time, sometimes reaching heights of up to 3 metres.
The industry continues to evolve with modern developments, such as pollen and scent-free lilies designed for allergy sufferers. However, for many enthusiasts, the strong fragrance of heritage varieties remains an irreplaceable part of the gardening experience.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The bulb grower spreading floral positivity during lockdown | My Garden Path | Gardening Australia
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