The Boycott

My flower bouquets cost $1. It was so marked on the sign. The stand was near Main Street, one hundred Thieves Poplars from our house.

Gene dug 100 holes in one day and planted 100 trees the next. That was 15 years ago. When the trees were saplings, I could see my flower stand from my kitchen window.


There was an elderly farmer who would come by on his tractor. He would stop and take at least 5 minutes to select the perfect bouquet. With one hand driving and the other holding the flowers, he would drive through town to his farm.

Gathering the flowers was a lot of work. So I raised my prices. Now the bunches are $2 each. I was boycotted. But only for a few days.


The correct amount of money was always in the money box. I was never shortchanged even though the stand was operated on the honor system.


I made minus 50 cents an hour. My rewards were many. My favorite, a wonderful Thank You Note from the wife of my elderly farmer friend.

Gina