“Flowers cannot solve all problems but it is a great first step” this is the name of a flower shop opened by the young man Ahmed Abu Nusair in downtown Deir Al Balah in central Gaza Strip announcing the arrival of spring.
For four years Ahmed 25 have been selling flowers and ornamental plants from February until the end of the season in early May meeting the demands of customers who are looking for flowers.
He told the PIC “I have different types of ornamental plants flowers cactus mint and strawberry baskets” adding “I stay in my shop at night too. I believe that flowers solve a lot of problems. They give people hope.”
Looking at Abu Nusair’s shop from afar one could think it is a room full of flowers and hanging baskets but in fact the flowers are decorated in a horizontal and vertical manner making the shop looks like a colorful room of all kinds of flowers.
Prices of flowers and ornamental plants at Abu Nusair’s shop start from one shekel (one US dollar is 3.7 shekel) and they are in line with the financial capabilities of many people. The process of purchase and selling started this year at an average level.
Ahmed’s brother Karam Abu Nusair 27 said Ahmed established a small seasonal flower project and since the morning of 20 March he has been busy making flower bouquets for Mother’s Day and spring.
He told the PIC “I am in charge of this project and I move here and there to bring flowers and my brother Ahmed is always next to me. This year on Mother’s Day we brought damask roses and flower bouquets. This morning I was saddened when a girl bought a flower to plant it on the top of her mother’s grave.”
Flower shop
Ahmed brings his flowers from one of the nearby flower nurseries makes sure to keep the flowers away from the sun and waters them twice a day. He is happy to stay by the flowers sharing work with his brother.
“Flowers are all desirable but some customers request specific types some ask for Manthour (the dispersed flowers) others ask for certain types of cactus and as a seller I feel happy among these plants and flowers.”
As for his own taste he tends to prefer damask roses and cloves which he brings to customers on demand. He has experience in decorating house gardens with green grass and various types of flowers.
He calls on people in Gaza despite crises and siege to buy flowers and ornamental plants; they offer beauty and delight to the hearts even in spite of problems according to Ahmed.
