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Charlotte, N.C. -- Everyone loves getting flowers. Now, thanks to a new partnership between Presbyterian Hospice & Palliative Care and McGill Rose Garden, even terminally ill patients and their families can enjoy blossoming buds in the midst of stormy days.

The program, dubbed Friends with Flowers, grew in Charlotte after Presbyterian Hospice employees stumbled upon the original concept created by a gardener in Greensboro. According to Beth Holmes, hospice community relations coordinator for Presbyterian, "We visited Greensboro and saw the amazing program they had in place. It was then that we knew it would be a disservice to our patients and their families if we didn't offer the same thing here."

With the generosity of McGill Rose Garden, the dedication of numerous volunteers, the expertise of local gardeners, and the compassion of the team, each week beautiful bouquets are delivered to patients in both Harris Hospice Unit at Presbyterian Hospital and those under outpatient hospice care.

So far the feedback has been terrific. "One gentleman cried when we delivered his bouquet," remarked Holmes. "He said it was the first time he had ever received flowers. To be able to touch someone's heart in that way; especially at the end of life, is something I will never forget."

Just as flowers grow, the Friends with Flowers program has plans to grow as well. Beginning in June, Presbyterian Hospice & Palliative Care will offer bereavement and other community workshops at McGill so that participants can be in a comforting environment and surrounded by beauty while they sort through their grief.

Presbyterian Hospice & Palliative Care and McGill Rose Garden will celebrate their new partnership during a ribbon cutting ceremony on at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 23. The community is invited to attend to listen to guest speakers and to tour the facilities.