Thousands of brightly coloured chrysanthemums are being picked at the Endeavour Foundation and made into beautiful bouquets just in time for Mother's Day.
The team at the Endeavour Foundation have spent the past few weeks preparing for their massive harvest, with flowers now blooming on site at Fitzgerald Street.
Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey met employees today and congratulated them on a terrific job in growing the stunning flowers.
“The Endeavour Foundation is such a fantastic organisation which supports people with a disability right across the region,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“Show your support in the lead-up to Mother's Day by getting a beautiful bunch of flowers for someone who is special to you.”
Endeavour Foundation flower history
According to Endeavour Foundation production manager Mark Elliott, farming flowers at the site on Fitzgerald Street has been going on for more than 20 years, with all proceeds going back to the organisation.
“We start preparing the land in October and plant in December, then it is a matter of looking after them until it comes time for picking,” he said.
“We have quite a few types with over a dozen different colours this year.”
Mark said the flowers were kept healthy and blooming through assistance from Endeavour Foundation employees and volunteers.
“We have around 70 people who work on site, about 14 staff and around seven are full time farmers,” he said.
“They not only look after our flowers but other crops as well, such as pumpkins, corn, garlic and more.”
Mark said Endeavour Foundation employees choose where they work, with many loving to get out and about.
“They love to work outside,” he said.
“Some of them have been doing it for 40 years; it is a great way for them to gain meaningful employment.”
Where to buy chrysanthemums
Endeavour Foundation flowers cost $12 a bunch and are now available at the site on Fitzgerald Street, with a huge sale to be held on Friday.
They will also be sold from various businesses throughout the region.
Volunteers needed for cutting and packing
The foundation is currently looking for volunteers to help with the cutting, stripping and packaging of the flowers.
If you have time to spare, drop in to see the team at 1 Fitzgerald Street.
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