HARRISON — A florist who has been in business about 25 years will hand out 8,500 roses in bunches of a dozen — free, on a first-come basis — beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday to promote neighborliness among those living in Greater Cincinnati.

        All the florist asks is that people who get the free bunches keep one rose for themselves and give away the remaining 11 to neighbors, friends and especially strangers.

        Matt Hiatt, owner of the shop at 1106 Stone Drive, said the spring unrest in Cincinnati and the subsequent efforts of reconciliation throughout the region make this year's giveaway especially meaningful.

        “I think any time something happens downtown, with us being a neighbor, it affects everybody,” said Mr. Hiatt. “The same thing could be happening in our community. We feel the effects of it. A lot of people in Harrison work in Cincinnati. They're affected by what goes on down there. They get on the Metro bus and head downtown to work.”

        In the past four years, Hiatt's Florist has handed out 26,500 roses in bunches of 12; that translates into more than 2,200 people showing up at his shop to collect the roses. If everyone participates by keeping one and giving away the rest, that would mean 24,000 people have been reached.

        The roses cost the floral shop about $3,000.

        About 2,500 florists in the country participate in the FTD Good Neighbor Day, according to FTD. The idea began with a florist in Jackson, Miss.

        Mr. Hiatt has increased the number of roses he's given away each year, from 5,000 to 6,000 to 7,500 to 8,000.

        Courtis Fuller, the Charter candidate for mayor of Cincinnati, will be at the floral shop Wednesday, said Mr. Hiatt, helping the staff hand out the roses. Harrison Mayor Dan Gieringer also plans to help.

        “It means a lot to the community,” said Mr. Gieringer. “It shows the kind of compassion our business community has.”

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