Free Roses for Rockville Metro Commuters: 'Petal It Forward'

ROCKVILLE, MD — Palace Florists in Rockville will be giving away 1,000 roses to commuters at a Metro station 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 at the White Flint Metro station Wednesday, giving away two bouquets to randomly chosen pedestrians.

Look for the flower ambassadors at the Metro station between 7:30 and 9 a.m.

Palace Florists took part in the Petal It Forward event last year for the first time, and it was amazing, said Beth Herman, director of sales and marketing of the shop at 4980 Wyaconda Road, Ste. B.

"People absolutely love to give and receive flowers," Herman said. "It is a great feel-good event."

The only ask for commuters who receive a rose? That you give away one flower "to a friend, family member, co-worker, or even a complete stranger who could use a smile."

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

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