Lier (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On Saturday, Aug 16, 2025, Lier market handed out 2,000 petunia kits to mothers. Mayor Rik Verwaest (N-VA) launched the first market association initiative, welcomed by visitors Marike and Greta.
As VRT News reported, on Saturday, Aug 16, 2025, the market in Lier, in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, the city and local market vendors handed out 2,000 flower-growing kits to mothers attending the market in the morning.
Each kit contained petunia seeds and substrate, giving people everything they needed to grow flowers at home. Many visitors welcomed the kits and said they were excited to plant the flowers with their families.
What’s behind the Lier market giving 2,000 Petunia kits?
Mayor Rik Verwaest (N-VA) explained the idea behind it.
“We want to add extra value to people’s market visits,”
he said.
“The kits make it easy for residents to grow their flowers and bring more life into their homes.”
Organisers hope the initiative will attract more families to the market and support local vendors. They also see it as a way to promote gardening and outdoor hobbies in the community.
Market visitor Marike laughed as she explained her excitement.
“My husband forgot Mother’s Day, but now I’m getting a little something special,”
Marike said. She added that she planned to plant the seeds with her family right away and enjoy the activity together.
Another visitor, Greta, also responded with enthusiasm.
“Mother’s Day is important. It’s nice that we received a gift here,”
she said. Most visitors stated the kits were not just a giveaway. They provided the means to spend a good time with family while adding a splash of greenery to the home.
Lier has a long tradition of markets, dating back to the 14th century. Through the years, the market has been an important location for residents and local vendors to congregate and shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, handcrafts, and seasonal items. In recent years, the city has looked for ways to make market visits more fun for families.
Since 2021, several Belgian cities have tried giving out flower seeds, small plants, or gardening kits on special occasions, like Mother’s Day or spring festivals. This year, in 2025, Lier joined the trend by handing out 2,000 petunia growing kits.
