Elderly woman transforms village with 500-metre flower garden

A 75 year old woman has garnered widespread admiration online for her dedication to maintaining a 500-metre stretch of flowers along a roadside. Initially mistaken for a government project, the flower garden is entirely the work of the elderly woman.

The online community was abuzz with appreciation after a clip posted on the page Jae Moi V+ from TikTok user พี่กอฟ พาลอง (P’Golf takes you around) showed the woman watering the flowers. The caption revealed that the flowers, which many thought were planted by the local municipality, were actually cultivated by the elderly woman herself. The clip has since attracted numerous comments praising her efforts.

Reporters who visited the site discovered that the flower-filled roadside is located at the entrance of Ban Khok Huachang village, in Isan Subdistrict, Mueang Buriram District, Buriram Province.

The woman, known as Kruawan or Grandma Jiw Anantachaiworakul, was found diligently tending to the flowers near her home. She shared that she has been planting flowers since retiring from her teaching career in 2009.

Kruawan explained that she started planting flowers along the road due to loneliness after her husband passed away in 1999 and she had no children. Living with her 17 year old great-grandchild, she found solace in gardening.

“I wanted to beautify the community and the temple. Seeing the flowers bloom makes me feel refreshed and happy.”

In two locations: the entrance to Ban Khok Huachang village and the front of Thung Pho Temple, each covering about 500 metres. Kruawan alternates between the locations, watering, weeding, and adding compost and manure. Morning hours are spent at the temple, while evenings are dedicated to the village entrance. Her daily routine includes tending to flowers such as portulaca, hibiscus, zinnias, and tecoma.

Cuttings to blossoms

Most of the flowers, like portulaca, started from cuttings given by neighbours and have been propagated over the years. The woman also bought hibiscus and tecoma for 100 baht for three plants. Despite some suggesting that her age made the work too strenuous.

“I am not seeking hardship. I get exercise and feel happy and healthy.”

The viral clip has brought her much recognition and pride.

“I am proud to have done something good for the community and the temple. I think, that as long as I live, I will do my best. It’s better than doing nothing. At least when I’m gone, people will remember me.”

A 37 year old neighbour, Worawit Rattanarin, expressed admiration for Kruawan’s dedication.

“Seeing Grandma Jiw water the flowers every evening makes our community more beautiful and pleasant. I hope other places will follow her example.”

Worawit added that passersby are welcome to take flower cuttings to propagate. Neighbours often bring the elderly woman cold drinks, snacks, and small amounts of money to help with seed purchases and water bills, which amount to about 500 to 700 baht monthly.

Village headman Saewang Buransuk acknowledged the positive impact of the elderly woman’s work. He mentioned that the community leaders appreciate Grandma Jiw’s efforts to plant flowers by the roadside, making the area more attractive, reported Sanook.

“We are concerned for her safety and have advised her to stay away from the road. We will place reflective cones during her watering times to ensure her safety.”