Florists will ask you to ‘Petal’ It Forward Wednesday

By: Brittany Comak

Email: bcomak@abc6.com

Twitter: @BComakABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – On the streets of Providence Wednesday will be a sight having you ask, ‘What in carnation?’

“It can change somebody’s whole day,” said Owner of Frey Florist and Greenhouse Richard Espeut. “That’s what we’re trying to do – trying to change someone’s day.”

Espeut and his team will be on Kennedy Plaza Wednesday morning handing out 400 stems of flowers – for free.

“First people are skeptical of it,” explained Espeut, who says they’ve been doing it the last four years. “And they say like, ‘Well how much are they?’ Or, ‘I’m not buying these.’ And we say ‘No, no, no they’re free.'”

It’s part of the Society of American Florists campaign to ‘Petal’ It Forward.

Folks Wednesday will be handed two stems of flowers: one they’re supposed to keep, and another they’re supposed to give away.

“This is a way to reach out to people that maybe no one ever gives them a flower,” said Espeut.

So what’s the point? According to the Society of American Florists, it’s to demonstrate research done at two universities that show flowers increase happiness and decrease stress.

“Throughout the rest of the day it’s like – it’s just a good day!” said Frey’s Floral Designer Sarah Houlihan.

48 states will be growing the flowery cheer throughout the day Wednesday. Espeut says the emotional impact a simple flower can have is something he sees every day.

“There’s no putting a price on it or way to explain how people feel about it,” he said.

Cherryhill Flowers in Johnston is also participating in the Petal It Forward campaign Wednesday.

You’ll be able to find the people from Frey Florist and Greenhouse out around 7:30 in the morning on Kennedy Plaza.

©WLNE-TV/ABC6 2019