In a heartwarming tradition, Hardy Geranium, for the eighth consecutive year, joined the national movement to spread goodwill and brighten the community. This year, alongside Austin’s Mayor Steve King, the staff at Hardy Geranium took to the streets and local businesses to participate in Petal It Forward, a heartening nationwide effort led by florists. The mission? Hand out bouquets of flowers to unsuspecting individuals, with the heartfelt hope that the recipients will, in turn, continue to share the love.
Owner Vicki Trimble of Hardy Geranium believes in the transformative power of this event. She remarked, “I think it’s just a good thing for people.” She went on to express that most individuals take the spirit of the event to heart, often choosing to give both bouquets away.
Every person who crossed paths with the Petal It Forward team received two bouquets, each adorned with six radiant flowers. The simple, yet profound, act encouraged recipients to keep one bouquet and share the second one with someone else. This year, the Austin community’s collective effort resulted in the distribution of an impressive 250 bouquets, radiating joy and goodwill throughout the town.
For Mayor Steve King, this marked his inaugural participation in the program, and he embraced it with enthusiasm. Before heading to his first stop at The Coffee House on Main, he remarked, “I couldn’t be happier to be a part of it. It boosts everyone’s spirits. If this doesn’t make your day, what does?”
Over the years, Hardy Geranium has brought this message of love and appreciation to various corners of Austin. Their goodwill has extended to the Austin Police Department, Fire Department, and Mayo Ambulance, serving as a heartfelt gesture of gratitude for their dedicated service. Their compassion even extended south to Lyle, spreading the warmth of flowers far and wide.
Vicki Trimble’s hope for Petal It Forward goes beyond merely brightening people’s days. She aspires for a deeper impact, to remind everyone that there is goodness in the world. In a time where sadness and turmoil often dominate the headlines, she shared, “There’s too much sadness and horror. I just want (people) to get some good out of it.”
The Hardy Geranium team, along with Mayor King, exemplifies how a simple bouquet of flowers can be a beacon of positivity, illuminating the path to kindness, hope, and a brighter community.
