Sienna Barboni and Ella Guagliano Rescue Leftover Flowers to Brighten Seniors’ Days
Sienna Barboni and Ella Guagliano transform leftover flowers into simple moments of joy. Here, they share their story
Best friends Sienna Barboni and Ella Guagliano circled a Jupiter, Florida, banquet hall, admiring centerpieces bursting with roses, lilies and other colorful blooms.
“They’re so beautiful,” Ella sighed. But the girls’ joy was tinged with sadness—they knew that tomorrow, the leftover flowers would be tossed in a dumpster after the cleanup.
“It is sadly such a shame how much of a waste that is,” the friends agreed.
Later, as the banquet ended, they spotted guests collecting arrangements to take home. Sienna caught Ella’s eye. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
“I sure am,” Ella replied.
For Ella, flowers recalled visits to her grandmother during cancer treatments, when blooms brightened her hospital room. “Put them on the nightstand where I can see them,” her grandmother always insisted.
Sienna also cherished memories of bringing roses to her great-grandparents in a nursing home, presenting bouquets to brighten their golden years and lift their spirits.
“Maybe these flowers don’t have to end up in a dumpster,” the girls decided, reaching out to country club managers, florists and caterers asking if they could have the leftovers.
Many said yes. Soon they were collecting used arrangements, trimming wilted petals and creating fresh, colorful bouquets. Their first stop was Gardens Court, where Sienna’s great-grandparents had spent their final days.
Giving blooms a second life
“We brought these for you,” Sienna said.
An elderly resident reached out, tears spilling. “I haven’t seen a rose in years,” she whispered, inviting the girls to stay a while and share a story.
Other residents were equally thrilled. “They always ask, ‘When are the flower girls coming back?’” says Activities Director Evelyn Henderson. “Even after the blooms fade, we show them how to press the flowers in books so they last even longer.”
Most weekends, Sienna and Ella fill their cars with rescued flowers, expanding deliveries to veterans’ and children’s hospitals.
Holidays are especially busy, allowing patients and seniors to enjoy the blooms during celebrations and feel a little extra love.
As word spread, more venues saved flowers, and Sienna established a nonprofit, Petal Forward (@petal.forward), allowing florists to receive a tax credit for donations.
“Often the flowers are just an excuse to spend time with someone who doesn’t get visitors,” says Ella.
“It’s so easy to brighten someone’s day,” adds Sienna. “Spreading bouquets of kindness—and seeing their faces light up — is so rewarding!”
This story first appeared in the March 2, 2026, issue of Woman’s World magazine.
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