The Deep Joy of Sharing Your Perennials
Perennials are the magnificent flowers that return year after year. Every year, I plant more and more. This reduces the number of annuals I have to buy, therefore reducing the amount of money spent on flowers.
There’s something incredibly meaningful about a garden—it’s a place of growth, beauty, and connection to God’s creation. One of the most beautiful parts of gardening isn’t just what grows in our own yards—it’s the joy we receive from the fruits of our labor, the beauty we enjoy from what we bring in, and, for this particular post, what we get to share with others.
When we think of sharing flowers, we often imagine giving a fresh-cut bouquet. But what if I told you that one of the most special gifts you can give is a piece of your garden itself?
Giving Beyond the Vase
Gifting perennials to family and friends is a gift that keeps on giving. When you dig up a clump of your favorite hosta, daisy, daylily, iris, or coneflower to share with a friend, you’re not just offering them a pretty flower; you’re sharing a part of your story, a memory from your yard, and an invitation to grow something new together.
Imagine visiting a friend’s garden and seeing a beautiful plant that once grew in your own yard—there’s something deeply special about that connection. It’s a living reminder of your friendship that comes back year after year.
My Perennial Finds
Over the years, I’ve been blessed to both receive and share perennials—each one carrying its own little story. One of my favorites is a cheerful yellow daisy, gifted to me by a neighbor back in 1995. That sweet bloom has followed us through four different homes, and it still holds a special place in my heart.
A few years back, I was out for a walk in my neighborhood when I spotted a neighbor I hadn’t met before. Her driveway was lined with pots overflowing with Annabelle hydrangeas.
She shared with me that her hydrangeas were getting too big, so she was thinning them and sending them to her brother in North Carolina—the plants had grown so large, it was time to share the wealth.
We had a lovely conversation as she took me on a tour around her gardens. We bonded over our shared love of flowers.
I mentioned that if she ever needed to thin them out again, I’d be more than happy to take some off her hands. Sure enough, the following spring, she gave me a call and invited me over to help her dig up more hydrangeas.
We had a lovely afternoon of getting to know one another and working together to dig up her precious perennials that would soon be in my yard, too!
It felt like I hit the jackpot—an incredible haul of stunning flowers! Presently, beautiful white Annabelle hydrangeas are scattered throughout my backyard. She also generously shared tiger lilies, white daisies, coneflowers, and even a breathtaking hibiscus I never expected to survive—but it’s thriving! Sadly, the coneflowers didn’t make it, thanks to some hungry bunnies.
Last year, a dear friend visited from Ohio and brought me a perennial from her yard. I wasn’t sure if they survived the winter, but they came back this year. I can’t wait to see how they grow next year!
I went foraging in a friend’s yard this past fall and dug up a few different varieties of perennials. This spring, some of them bloomed. Unfortunately, some didn’t survive the winter, but it was fun waiting to see what would grow.
These friendships are precious to me, and sharing our gardens makes me think of them often. I’ve got a blog post all about friendship here: A Good Friend: What Every Mom Needs Get some mentoring wisdom about friendship and how vital it is to mamas!
The Heart Behind the Gift
Sharing perennials is a deeply personal gesture. It says, “I want you to have a piece of what brings me joy.” You’ve spent time tending and nurturing these plants, watching them bloom and thrive—and now, you’re passing that joy along.
It doesn’t cost a thing (except a little time and maybe a bit of dirt under your nails!), yet it offers so much value. Instead of purchasing a plant from a garden center, your friend gets one with a story and a sentimental tie to you.
Building Memories and Community
When you share perennials, you help weave a story of community and connection. It’s a beautiful way to strengthen friendships and build lasting memories.
Twice this summer, a friend whom I gifted perennials to texted me out of the blue and said they were thinking of me as the perennials I shared with her were blooming in her yard. It made me smile and brought me so much joy.
Encouraging Growth Together
Sharing perennials can also be a fun way to encourage friends who are new to gardening. It gives them a gentle start and a special motivation to nurture something beautiful. Plus, it’s a great excuse to check in on each other’s gardens—and each other—as the years go by.
The First Garden
Imagine the very first garden — the Garden of Eden. God designed it to be a place of beauty, abundance, and life. Every plant, tree, and flower was a gift meant to nourish, delight, and connect humanity with His creation.
When we share pieces of our own gardens with others — like dividing and gifting perennials — we are echoing that original design. Just as God shared the beauty of Eden with Adam and Eve, we get to share the beauty and blessings of our gardens with friends and loved ones.
Passing along a piece of your garden is more than just giving a plant. It’s giving life, beauty, and a lasting reminder of friendship.
Every time your friend sees that blooming flower, they’re reminded of your generosity, your thoughtfulness, and the love that binds us together — much like the way God intended us to experience His creation in Eden: in relationship, in abundance, and in joy.
So when you dig up those perennials and hand them over, know that you’re planting seeds of connection and creating little glimpses of Eden right in your friend’s backyard. 🌿✨
The Practical Side
Beyond the heartwarming side of it, dividing and sharing perennials is beneficial for your garden. Many perennials benefit from being divided every few years, leading to more vigorous growth and better blooms. By sharing, you’re helping both your garden and your friendships flourish!
So next time you’re out in the garden, look around. Which plants could you share? Who could use a little piece of your joy? Dig up a clump, wrap it in a plastic bag or a bit of burlap, and deliver it with a note. You’ll be amazed at the joy it brings—not just to your friend, but to you, too.
Don’t forget to bring a shovel so you can help her put it in the ground 😘
Check out this Country Living Article, 31 Best Low-Maintenance Perennial Flowers for Your Garden. If you are overwhelmed and aren’t quite sure where to begin on your perennial journey, this article will help!
Here’s to growing beauty and friendship together—one perennial at a time. 🌿💚
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