QUEENSBURY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Who needs a Wednesday pick-me-up? If you’re commuting through the Queensbury/Glens Falls area, you may get a colorful surprise! A Queensbury florist is gearing up for the ‘Petal it Forward’ program.
For the seventh year in a row, Binley Florist and Garden Center is joining thousands of florists nationwide to hand out free bouquets of flowers to locals to help brighten their day. The “petal it forward” program is in response to the release of data from the Society of American Florists (SAF) showing the positive emotional benefits of flowers.
According to the SAF, when it comes to happiness, it’s just as good to give flowers as it is to receive. Eighty-eight percent of Americans report that giving flowers makes them feel happy, while 80% reported that receiving flowers makes them feel happy. The report says just being around flowers improves your mood. Seventy-six percent of Americans agree that having flowers in their home or office improves their mood.
“We are out there just proving the scientific research of the Society of American florists always does. The power of flowers, they just make you happy,” said Lauren Lebowitz, the assistant support manager at Binely Florist.
On Tuesday, the Binley staff put together 12,000 bouquets of flowers before loading them into their truck. Then the best part, handing them out to 600 strangers. The purpose is to keep one bouquet, and “petal forward” the second bouquet to someone else.
“The reaction we’re getting is just phenomenal. Everybody is so surprised; I’ve seen some tears from one of the parents,” said Lauren. “It’s a wonderful feeling.”
The first stop was at Queensbury Elementary School! “It’s really great, it made my day!” said Queensbury mom Stephanie Belden. When asked who she’ll give the second bouquet to: “I work at the Glens Falls Senior Center so probably one of my seniors,” she said.
Bringing joy to the parents, kids, and children one petal at a time, the local flower shop hopes to continue the tradition of spreading kindness in the 518 community.