theory:main character has a fear of the outdoor neighborhood and new people, but the sight of flowers and nature gives her comfort, and this is just how she sees things, and as the strangers compliment her on her good work they don't seem as scary anymore.
While it was not the initial intent, I realized relatively early on that this mechanic would work relatively well as a mental health metaphor. Be it depression, social anxiety or something else, with plants as a coping mechanism.
I have to admit that this interpretation did indeed influence my writing of the dialogues a bit, for example how she describes how the other people scare her at first and seem friendly later.
So yes, you are not far off.