Free Flower Bouquets: 'Petal It Forward' Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, MD — York Flowers in Annapolis will be giving away 100 bouquets to residents for free this Wednesday, with only one hitch: recipients must pass along the love.

As part of the Society of American Florists' national "Petal It Forward" campaign, the store's floral team will be on the streets at noon Wednesday, giving away two bouquets to randomly chosen pedestrians. Look for the flower ambassadors inn front of Chick and Ruth's on Main Street in Annapolis.

Their only ask? That you give away one bunch of flowers "to a friend, family member, co-worker, or even a complete stranger who could use a smile."

Anna Deriquito says the business is prepared to hand out 100 bouquets of flowers including roses, mums, and more in front of Chick and Ruth's Deli on Main Street in Annapolis on Oct. 19.

“We see the positive impact day in and day out when we make our flower deliveries,” said Ken Denaburg, owner of York Flowers. “People love to get flowers ‘just because’ so we wanted to create random smiles today, and give people a chance to do the same for someone else.”

The national campaign is underway in 207 cities in 49 states, according to a Petal It Forward press release.

"It is so exciting to be part of something bigger," Deriquito said.

According to that release, "The campaign aims to highlight the benefits of flowers and leverage study findings that show how flowers have an immediate impact on happiness and a long-term positive effect on moods (and that people report the best reason to receive flowers is 'just because')."

»Patch file photo