7-20-2026 4:27am

Freeland Farm

Gro ‘n Sell Donates 18,000 Plants to the Flourish Project

Delivering donations to First Fruits Farm (L) and helping with the transplanting of flowers (R). | Gro ‘n Sell

Gro ’n Sell recently donated 18,000 surplus plants grown for the upcoming Cultivate’26 industry trade show to the Flourish Project at First Fruits Farm.

The donation was made possible through the generous support of the many industry-leading breeders who partner with Gro ’n Sell, including:

“We are incredibly grateful to our partner breeders who were happy to share their plants. Their support allowed us to turn what would have been surplus into a source of joy for others,” says Dave Eastburn, owner of Gro ’n Sell.

The Flourish Project is part of First Fruits Farm in Freeland, MD, a non-profit dedicated to growing and donating fresh produce to those in need.

WHAT IS THE FLOURISH PROJECT?

The Flourish Project is the care farming expression at First Fruits Farm, creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities and backgrounds to flourish physically, spiritually, and emotionallyThe Flourish Project operates under the vision and mission of the Farm with the same desired result—feeding people both physically and spiritually. This is not a separate endeavor, but an intentional outreach to bring those living in marginalized populations to flourish through the practices of First Fruits Farm.

This past season marked the inaugural year for the Flourish Project. The program began by welcoming Blooming Hearts — a group of teens affected by autism, along with their parents and support staff — and quickly expanded to more than 14 different groups, serving an average of 135 participants each week.

The Flourish Project provides meaningful volunteer opportunities for individuals with disabilities, helping participants build confidence, develop skills, foster independence, and access future employment opportunities.

“We are grateful to once again receive a generous donation of plants from Gro ’n Sell, a business that supported us last year,” says Carissa Mortenson, Director of Programming at First Fruits Farm.

How the Plants Were Put to Work

Building on last year’s efforts — which included creating flower baskets for individuals facing cancer and the elderly, and revitalizing an elementary school’s garden beds — this year’s 18,000-plant donation was woven directly into the Flourish Project’s educational curriculum and community outreach:

Horticultural Training: Teaching participants how to transplant, repot, and maintain plant health successfully.
Community Distribution: Providing plants to food distribution partners and supplying vibrant pollinator plants to multiple schools and community gardens throughout Baltimore City.
Food Security Initiatives: Potting and donating hybrid container tomato plants to the “Adopt the Block” initiative in York, PA, giving low-income residents and seniors an ongoing source of fresh food.