Photo source: https://safnow.org/petalitforward/

The power of flowers in every life.’ – SAF

The Society of American Florist, ‘SAF’, is an association consisting of more than 2500 members of the U.S floral community, which connects and cultivates a close-knit floral community across all 50 states of America. 

The ‘Petal It Forward’ program was initiated by the members of SAF approximately ten years ago, as a kindness initiative to spread joy and colour into people’s lives and highlight the importance of a good old bouquet of fresh flowers.

In this program, the members choose one day in the month of October and practice this goodwill initiative at their respective local shop. They hand not one, but two bouquets to a stranger- one for themselves to enjoy and one to ‘pay it forward’ for someone else to enjoy.

This provides an opportunity to recognize your local florists and appreciate them. It also motivates a whole new chain reaction with having one bouquet to pay forward, people not only feel the joy of receiving but also the endless joy of giving. 

This Year on ‘Petal It Forward’:

Photo source: https://safnow.org/petalitforward/‘

This year, the ‘Petal It Forward’ campaign was held on October 15th, 2025, with participants from all across America. It even spread across multiple other countries such as India and England, proving that joy is indeed contagious and is always felt best when shared!

In Nashua, Amber Morgan, owner of Fortin Gage Flowers, gave away 500 bouquets to strangers. The joy on her and their faces was truly priceless.

“We’ve heard things from, ‘Oh my gosh this is going to make my day,’ ‘My best friend was having a terrible day, I can’t wait to give this to her.’ We had a gentleman that said, ‘Wow, you have no idea this just made my heart so happy.'” – Amber

And in, NewYork, Stephanie Navas, owner of  Flowers On Broadway,  also gave away flowers to strangers and helped make their day that bit more special.

“There’s something incredibly special about handing someone a flower — their face lights up, and for that moment, you’ve made their day a little brighter. It’s a small gesture, but it creates real connection and joy.” – Stephanie

Details Flowers is a platform that helps florists and designers do more and earn more. In collaboration with Alexandra Farms,  Rosa Prima Roses and Jet Fresh Flowers, many smiles were spread, one flower at a time!

“From prepping hundreds of beautiful bouquets at Details HQ to welcoming visitors for tours and bouquet pickups ,and finally spreading smiles at Ormond In The Pines ,our hearts (and hands!) were full of flowers and joy!” – Details HQ

Instagram Account of Detail Flowers

Flower Power 

Giving and receiving flowers has always been reserved as some sort of a very intimate ritual, something you only do for your loved ones. But the ‘Petal It Forward’ program is here to debunk this ritual and show us that It can still be intimate even when you give flowers to strangers because of the purpose behind it- to brighten their day, to show people that we see them and recognize them as a beautiful being worthy of receiving beautiful flowers.

‘Flower Power’ is definitely not just a rhyme, but a true fact. Flowers hold the power to elevate our mood just by being in their presence. Their fragrance, vibrant colors and delicate petals act as a stress reliever and promote feelings of calmness and relaxation. Let it be a single flower on your desk or an arrangement of flowers on your dining table, they definitely play a major role in making your day just a tad bit better.  – Courtesy of Nabi Flowers

So the next time you’re a bit down in the dumps, never overlook the power of a nice long leisurely stroll through a colorful garden! And remember we are all like the petals of a flower- vibrant and colorful, each one unique and important!