Erin Martorano

Montgomery County

Washington Metropolitan Area

Gaithersburg

Maryland

Montgomery Village

Gaby Arancibia

Rockville

Germantown

North Potomac-Darnestown

Potomac

Loudoun County

Patch AM Team

Lowes Island

Virginia

Fairfax County

Great Falls

Wheaton

Kensington

Cascades

Neighbors Coffee Roasters

Local Business Spreads Joy and Stress Relief, Two Bouquets at a Time 

Rockville, MD, October 12, 2026 -- Calluna Flower Truck is joining dozens of floral businesses nationwide to surprise visitors at Neighbors Coffee in Rockville with two free mini bouquets — one to keep and one to give to a friend, family member, colleague, or even a stranger.
The event will take place on Wednesday, October 14, from 8 a.m. to noon, or while supplies last.
The random act of kindness initiative, called Petal It Forward and organized by the Society of American Florists (SAF), is designed to help people start their day with more joy and less stress. The effort also highlights research from the University of North Florida (UNF) showing that living with flowers can reduce stress.
“Petal It Forward is the floral industry’s way of giving back,” said Elizabeth Daly, SAF’s manager of marketing and communications, citing the effort was purposefully planned for a Wednesday to help the mid-week slump. Elissa Abod, of Calluna Flower Truckwanted to be a part of the mood-boosting effort, and make a difference in the community. “People light up the moment they see the flower truck, and I want to share that feeling with as many people as possible”, said Abod.

The research findings on flowers and stress relief, and the need for mood-boosting gestures, seem timely: A survey by Wakefield Research in July showed that 68 percent of Americans experience stress weekly, and 32 percent report feeling stressed daily. Women are even more affected, with 25 percent reporting feeling stress multiple times a day.

Abod says the original idea behind Petal It Forward’s ‘keep one, share one’ concept, which started in 2015, came after looking at statistics that showed while 80 percent of people reported receiving flowers makes them happy, even more (88 percent) said that giving flowers makes them happy. “We want to give people the chance to experience both,” said Abod. 

In addition to the research on stress, previous behavioral studies conducted by Rutgers<a href="https://aboutflowers.com/quick-links/health-benefits-research/emotional-impact-of-flowers-study/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>and<a href="https://aboutflowers.com/quick-links/health-benefits-research/home-ecology-of-flowers-study/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"></a>Harvard scientifically demonstrate the positive impact flowers have on emotional wellbeing. 
For information on the effects of flowers on stress research, visit <a href="https://safnow.org/health-benefits-research/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">safnow.org/health-benefits-research/</a>



About Calluna Flower Truck 
Founded in 2022, Calluna Flower Truck is a woman-owned mobile floral business serving the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Featuring "Alice," a charming 1951 Tiffany-blue pickup truck, Calluna brings flowers directly to people through community pop-ups, interactive flower bars, private celebrations, and corporate brand activations. Guided by its mission of "Spreading joy one flower at a time," Calluna creates memorable experiences that bring people together.

<h2>About the Society of American Florists</h2>
The Society of American Florists is the national trade association to the floral industry, representing growers, wholesalers, retailers, suppliers, importers, educators, designers and allied organizations.

Local Event: Calluna Flower Truck Joins Nationwide Effort to ‘Petal It Forward’

Calluna Flower Truck Joins Nationwide Effort to...

Local Business Spreads Joy and Stress Relief, Two Bouquets at a Time 

Rockville, MD, October 12, 2026 -- Calluna Flower Truck...

Calluna Flower Truck Joins Nationwide Effort to ‘Petal It Forward’

Howard Community College

It’s fall, y’all! Grab your family, round up your friends, and head to Howard Community College for Fall for All—a fun-filled celebration to kick off your weekend!There’s something for everyone, including pumpkin-themed activities, a pumpkin patch, face painting, moon bounces, candy, an inflatable corn maze, food trucks, and plenty more fall fun. Family friendly costumes are encouraged! Plus, Howard County Public Schools students have the day off, so it’s the perfect opportunity to bring the whole family out for an afternoon of fun. We’ll see you at Fall for All!

Local Event: Howard Community College Presents Fall for All! 

Howard County

Columbia

Howard Community College Presents Fall for All! 

It’s fall, y’all! Grab your family, round up your friends, and head to Howard Community College for Fall for All—a fun-filled...

Liberty Mountain Resort /Ski School 78 Country Club Trail, Fairfield, PA 17320

A consignment sale of pre-owned and new ski &amp; snowboard equipment. Skis, snowboards, boots, poles, goggles, helmets, bags, and a great collection of jacket &amp; pants, snowboots, etc. Come get ready for winter fun! <a href="https://www.swap.expert/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.Swap.Expert</a>, More information on website on how to be a consignor and make your sale tags at home. Accepting cash, Venmo, Visa, MasterCard (3% service charge on Venmo and c.c.) Come and enjoy Fall Fest for the family.

Local Event: Liberty Resort Ski Swap THIS Sat, Oct 17, 9am-2pm

Liberty Resort Ski Swap THIS Sat, Oct 17, 9am-2pm

A consignment sale of pre-owned and new ski & snowboard equipment. Skis, snowboards, boots, poles, goggles, helmets, bags, and...

Adventist HealthCare Fieldhouse

Saturday November 7, 2026VIP&nbsp;Hour = 9am-10amGeneral Admission = 10am-5pmBringing together artisan chocolatiers, specialty coffee roasters, gourmet food vendors, and thousands of passionate attendees, this annual celebration showcases the best flavors, products, and experiences from across the region. Discover unique treats, support small businesses, and indulge in a weekend dedicated to chocolate and coffee.Sip, Sample, and Shop from over 120 unique artisans Mascot Photo Opportunities, Seminars, Onsite Activities and more

Local Event: DMV Chocolate and Coffee Festival ~ Maryland Edition 

DMV Chocolate and Coffee Festival ~ Maryland...

Saturday November 7, 2026VIP Hour = 9am-10amGeneral Admission = 10am-5pmBringing together artisan chocolatiers, specialty...

DMV Chocolate and Coffee Festival ~ Maryland Edition 

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Erin Martorano, Neighbor

Posting Activity

Calluna Flower Truck Joins Nationwide Effort to ‘Petal It Forward’

Howard Community College Presents Fall for All!

Liberty Resort Ski Swap THIS Sat, Oct 17, 9am-2pm

DMV Chocolate and Coffee Festival ~ Maryland Edition