Petal It Forward

Thousands of Petals Set to Brighten Erie on October 16th
Research Shows Emotional Benefits of Flowers,
Lafayette Florist Encourages Busy Commuters to ‘Petal It Forward’
Erie, Colorado October 1, 2024 — Lafayette Florist will be hitting the streets of Erie on Wednesday, October 16^th handing out hundreds of flowers to busy commuters to help brighten up their week, as part of the ‘Petal it Forward’ program, in partnership with the Society of American Florists (SAF), of which Lafayette Florist is a member. Lafayette Florist is joining dozens of florists across the country in Petal It Forward. This random-acts-of-kindness effort is in response to the release of data by SAF showing the positive emotional benefits of flowers.
University research reveals that flowers have an immediate impact on happiness and a long-term positive effect on moods. Now, a survey has found that, when it comes to flowers, it’s just as good to give as it is to receive. With this data in mind, the Petal It Forward team is not only spreading happiness to lucky East Boulder County residents who receive the flowers, but arming these recipients with the tools they need to Petal it Forward and spread happiness to others: An extra flower bouquet to share with a loved one, coworker or even a stranger.
“We see the positive impact day in and day out when we make our flower deliveries,” said Lori Wheat of Lafayette Florist “People love to get flowers ‘just because’ so we wanted to create random smiles today and give people a chance to do the same for someone else.”
A survey by SAF illustrates the impact of flowers. The results reveal the many benefits of flowers, including their positive effects on one’s emotions and happiness, and back up previous research studies on flowers conducted by Rutgers, Harvard and Texas A&M. (See www.aboutflowers.com/research more information on the university studies.)
The following are highlights from SAF’s survey results:

• When it comes to happiness, it’s just as good to give flowers as it is to receive: 88 percent of Americans report that giving flowers makes them feel happy, while 80 percent reported that receiving flowers makes them feel happy.
• Just being around flowers improves your mood: 76 percent of Americans agree that having flowers in their home or office improves their mood.
• The best reason to receive flowers is “just because”: Women (92 percent) are more likely to agree with this, but the majority of men (three in four) also share this sentiment.
• Florists to the rescue! Nearly four in 10 Americans indicate florists have helped them in a past or current relationship; most frequently to say, “I love you,” or schedule a surprise delivery.

“The impact of giving or receiving flowers is powerful and memorable,” said Wheat  “It can turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary one.”
Wheat will give away bouquets to people on the street. After receiving their flowers, recipients are asked to spread the happiness by gifting their extra flower bouquet, and sharing their happiness on social media using #petalitforward.
For more information on the benefits of flowers, visit www.aboutflowers.com and www.aboutflowersblog.com.
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About Lafayette Florist:  After 75 years in Lafayette, It is both exciting and bittersweet to announce that Lafayette Florist has relocated. Lafayette Florist has been in the same location with the same family since 1949, making this decision for the business is difficult yet an opportunity to look forward to the future and to continue to evolve.
Come see us at our new location at 3335 Arapahoe Rd #30 Erie, CO 80516.
We will be florist-focused with the same inviting atmosphere: a fresh flower walk-in cooler, open design area, flower delivery service, and gift shop. If you're a Lafayette Florist plant fanatic, we will still carry popular and easy-care bloomers, green plants, and succulents. We will be discontinuing our outdoor bedding plant area and primarily focusing on having a selection of the healthiest house plants available. 
The family is still here.  Come visit with Lori, Sandi and 4^th generation Tanner. 
 
About the Society of American Florists
The Society of American Florists (SAF) is the national trade association to the floral industry, representing growers, wholesalers, retailers, suppliers, importers, educators, designers and allied organizations.  Lori Wheat, owner of Lafayette Florist is the incoming President of SAF.