SUNY Morrisville horticulture students spread cheer in the community, participating in “Petal it Forward” goodwill initiative

SUNY Morrisville horticulture students joined thousands across the globe, participating in The Society of American Florists (SAF) annual goodwill initiative, Petal it Forward.

They handed out flowers and bouquets to unsuspecting community members and passersby, encouraging recipients to keep one and share the other with someone else.

The students, in Nicole Johnson's '20 floral design course, prepared more than 60 colorful arrays, some which included stunning dahlias grown in a dedicated greenhouse at the college's Four Seasons Organic Farm.

The certified, organic farm, operated and maintained by the college's Horticulture Department, provides hands-on educational experience through year-round crop production.

With more businesses involved every year, the nationwide Petal It Forward event goes beyond the emotional and social impact, offering the floral business visibility.

Johnson's floral design course, a requirement for horticulture business management bachelor's degree majors, is widely known for its Friday fall flower sales, from 2-4 p.m., in the Spader Horticulture Complex. The college also hosts annual poinsettia and flower sales. All are open to the public.

SUNY Morrisville has been participating in Petal It Forward four years.