Hoboken Gardens will be hitting the streets of Rockport, Camden, Rockland and the Midcoast area Oct. 7, 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, of which Hoboken Gardens is a member. 'Petal It Forward' is in response to the release of new 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 new 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 luckyRockport, Camden, Rockland or Belfast 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 (or flower) 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 Lisa Farley of Hoboken Gardens, in a news release. "People love to get flowers 'just because' so we wanted to create random smiles, and give people a chance to do the same for someone else."

In March 2015, SAF conducted a survey of 2,500 people throughout the U.S. to uncover the impact of flowers on Americans. The results revealed the many benefits of flowers, including the positive impact flowers have on one's emotions and happiness, and backed 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 recent 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 Farley"It can turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary one."

Hoboken Gardens and their Petal It Forward Team will give away 40bouquets 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 and #hobokengardens.

For more information on the benefits of flowers, visit www.aboutflowers.com and www.aboutflowersblog.com.

Hoboken Gardens is a family owned and operated flower and gift boutique located in Rockport, Maine. Situated in the quaint old schoolhouse in Rockport, Hoboken Gardens offers creative, artistic floral and wedding designs and delightful gifts. For more than 25 years, Hoboken Gardens has been offering daily deliveries of fresh flowers to commemorate any of life's occasions.

The Society of American Florists is the national trade association to the floral industry, representing growers, wholesalers, retailers, suppliers, importers, educators, designers and allied organizations. The association was chartered by an act of Congress in 1884.

The omnibus survey was conducted using the field services of TNS from March 5-9, 2015 among a representative sample of 2,500 Americans, ages 18 and older. The margin of error for total Americans is plus or minus 1.9 percent. If the study was to be replicated, findings would not vary by more than 1.9 percentage points in either direction 95 times out of 100.

The Society of American Florists is the leading organization representing all segments of the floral industry. The association was chartered by an act of Congress in 1884.