The city of Austin was beautifully adorned with small but powerful acts of kindness as the Hardy Geranium Floral and Gift Shop celebrated its eighth annual Petal It Forward Day. The heartwarming event revolved around the simple yet profound gesture of handing out bouquets of flowers to people all around the town.
The day’s festivities commenced on Main Street, right outside the iconic Spam Museum, but quickly extended its reach to include restaurants, schools, and even the esteemed Mower County Court House. Volunteers, driven by the spirit of generosity, offered up these floral arrangements thousands of times throughout the year. Remarkably, they reported that they had been turned down by only one person, a testament to the power of this uplifting tradition.
Vicki Trimble, the Owner of The Hardy Geranium, shared her heartfelt perspective, saying, “Flowers are the best way to remind people there’s still kindness in this world.” She emphasized that the event’s primary aim is to encourage and demonstrate kindness in a world where, as she pointed out, there is often too much horror. “There’s too much horror in the world right now,” Trimble stated. “And I think today is really a special day with everything going on that everybody just gives a little.”
The Petal It Forward initiative, which now encompasses the entire nation, was initiated in 2015, thanks to the efforts of the National Floral Association. In Austin, it has grown into a significant annual event, with dedicated volunteers distributing approximately 250 bouquets to people each year. This delightful tradition not only illuminates the town but also warms hearts, reminding all who participate that kindness is a powerful force in a world that often needs it most.
