Pay-It-Forward Flower Day Set Wednesday In Yardley

YARDLEY, PA — Things are likely to get mighty flowery on Wednesday in Yardley.

Local business, Ye Olde Yardley Florist, is joining almost 500 flower shops nationwide to surprise passersby with two free roses — one to keep and one to give to someone else.

The random-acts-of-kindness effort is called Petal It Forward and it's organized by the Society of American Florists.

Organizers say it's designed to cheer people up and lessen their stress, which they cite research saying that flowers are proven to do. That's especially important during the coronavirus pandemic, which research shows has taken a toll on mental health.

"Petal It Forward is the floral industry's way of giving back," said society spokeswoman Jenny Scala.

Noreen Gorka, owner of of Ye Olde Yardley Florist, has been a part of the mood-boosting effort from the beginning.

"It’s my absolute favorite day of the year," Gorka said. "This will be our sixth year, and it is amazing the reaction we get. We get tons of smiles, gratitude, and even hugs and tears."

Gorka said the idea behind Petal It Forward's "keep one, share one" concept started in 2015, after organizers saw research showing even more people said giving flowers makes them happy than said that receiving them does.

"We want to give people the chance to experience both," Gorka said.

Gorka, Yardley Borough Police officers, other local businesses and representatives of Experience Yardley will be among those handing out flowers throughout Yardley on Wednesday.

Ye Olde Yardley Florist is located at 175 S. Main St.