The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, increases feelings of life satisfaction, and affects social behavior in positive ways far beyond what is normally believed, according to a recent behavioral research study conducted at Rutgers, California State University. New Jersey.
Nature provides us with a simple way to improve emotional health in a fast-paced, high-tech lifestyle.
Researchers exploring the link between flowers and life satisfaction found that:
o Flowers have an immediate effect on happiness, a universal reaction that occurs in all age groups.
o Flowers have a long-term positive effect on mood. Study participants said they felt less depressed, anxious, and agitated after receiving flowers.
o Flowers make intimate connections. The presence of flowers led to increased contact with family and friends.
“Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy,” said Dr. Jeannette Haviland-Jones, a professor of psychology at Rutgers and the study’s principal investigator. “Now science is showing us that flowers not only make us happier than we think, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well-being.”
Popular flowers this year are pale pink or green hydrangeas, fragrant peonies mixed with tree ivy, and bright and cheery gerbera daisies in yellow, orange, white, pink or red.
Many customers like to choose their own vase instead of ordering the flower vase and gifting it separately; one of the most popular is a simple, square, clear vase that adds a contemporary look to arrangements. Tulips or other flowers are used as padding instead of greenery, and foam is not used much as a base. If floral foam is needed to stabilize arrangements, it’s available in colors other than the once-common dark green.
There’s really no need to spend $80 or $100 on a bouquet. Even quality glamorous arrangements are available for $29 to $49. They can be shipped for an additional fee.
Professional florists help share people’s life milestones through flowers and help the sender choose the right bouquet. An experienced florist with a website offers flower history and trivia to let the sender know what the “Language of Certain Flowers” really means.
Flowers come from all over the world: fresh, showy blooms that will last a long time.
Plants that keep on giving
“This Old House” contractor Roger Cook offers some suggestions outside of traditional cut flower bouquets.
“It’s the height of spring, and there are gifts that have all the fragrance, variety and style of cut flowers, but they’ll come back year after year,” Cook said.
Your top picks:
o Rose garden gifts. Create a rose garden gift instead of giving a bouquet of cut roses. Your local garden center can provide you with everything you need for a beginner rose garden.
or ivy For this pleasing, low-maintenance option, choose from indoor and outdoor varieties with lush green leaves for a clean, fresh look.
or herb garden. Create your custom selected herbs. Imagine what your mom likes to cook and eat, and start from there.
or Geraniums. These are bright and beautiful in red, coral, or white. You can fill hanging baskets or flower pots.
Marianna’s SOS Flowers co-owner Rick London says red or pink roses remain forever
favorites, but close finishers include lilies, tulips, skin tones, and geraniums.
