She chooses sunflowers for several reasons:
* Beauty: Leona is drawn to the bright yellow color and the majestic height of the sunflowers. She sees them as a symbol of hope and beauty in the midst of the bleak, abandoned lot.
* Symbolism: The sunflowers represent a new beginning and growth in the neglected neighborhood. Leona wants to bring life and color to the community.
* Personal connection: Sunflowers remind Leona of her childhood in the South, where she used to grow them in her family garden. Planting them brings back positive memories and a sense of connection to her past.
Leona's sunflower garden acts as a catalyst for the community to come together and care for the abandoned lot. It inspires others to plant their own seeds, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.