Green Burials

While discussing burial options isn't a topic for casual conversation, there is worthwhile news in the funeral industry for those who would prefer to be environmentally conscientious even in their final resting place. Green-burial providers adopt practices that are non-toxic and energy conserving, including burial with non-toxic, biodegradable burial containers, preparation of the body without the use of formaldehyde-based embalming chemicals, and grave-site landscape derived from and compatible with regional ecosystems. Coffins and cremation urns for green burials are made using only environmentally sustainable material, such as Bamboo; Pandanus – an environmentally friendly alternative to sea grass; Willow – cut from bushes known as crowns which remain viable for about 40 years before they need to be replanted; and Banana sheaves that come from the trunk of the plant and peel off naturally each year. The body is not dressed in traditional clothing which may contain man-made materials, but is wrapped in a cotton shroud. Home wakes, public visitations, church funerals and graveside services are options that may be arranged within the limited time frame green burial allows.

There's even a Green Burial Council (founded in 2005), a nonprofit organization that advocates sustainable, economically viable burials and the restoration and stewardship of natural areas. GBC certifies funeral-service providers and cemeteries as green-burial providers to address a “new ethic in death-care.” Schoedinger Funeral & Cremation Service was certified by the GBC, and is the only certified service in the Columbus area.

So far, the only certified cemetery available to the public locally is the Foxfield Preserve in Wilmot, Ohio. This is obviously the limiting factor, unless a private, home-burial site is available. Until more cemeteries adopt a green philosophy, green burials will be limited in central Ohio. Requests from the public will speed the process along.

Cut flowers are an obvious choice for green burials. Arrangements can be tied with raffia and displayed in traditional containers to stay fresh for visitation hours, and can then be removed as a unit from the container for placement in or on the casket, or by the grave marker.

If a complete green burial is not possible, consider a partial green burial. For example, if a green cemetery is not available, use a shroud and a green burial container to minimize the environmental impact. Be sure to let us know if you prefer “green” flower treatment, even at a traditional burial. We will work with your funeral director to comply with your wishes.

More information is available at http://www.greenburialcouncil.org.

Blumen Garten Florist - 614.451.1299

Why Flowers?

What other gift can you give to someone, or do for someone, without them feeling they need to return the favor, that they "owe you one"?

· Being in the presence of flowers has been shown, scientifically, to alleviate depression in the elderly! (Texas A&M; Rutgers University; control gifts used in the research/study included gifts of candles, food gifts, etc)

· Being in the presence of flowers increase social interaction, and feelings of well-being. (Harvard study; and these studies show that the effects linger, even AFTER the flowers have died)

· Flowers not only relieve depression, these same studies show that in the presence of flowers and/or plants, work-place productivity is increased, and creativity is increased - Measurable results!

Europeans use flowers in their daily living – flowers, plants, even bouquets of grasses, berries and braches are commonplace in the home. (and maybe, are they a little more “balanced” or less stressed, shall we say, as opposed to Americans?)

Also, a recent study shows that people who give flowers are perceived as being sophisticated and thoughtful:

• 92% of women remember the last time they received flowers.
• 97% of survey respondents remember the last time they gave a floral gift.
• 88% of survey respondents say a gift of flowers changes their mood for the better.
• 86% say receiving flowers makes them feel special.
• 99% say that a person who gives flowers is thoughtful.
• 89% believe the giver is sophisticated.

A study at Harvard uncovered three main findings:

• Flowers feed compassion.
  
  Study participants who lived with fresh cut flowers for less than a week felt an increase in feelings of compassion and kindness for others.
• Flowers chase away anxieties, worries and the blues at home.
• Overall, people in the study simply felt less negative after being around flowers at home for just a few days.
• Living with flowers can provide a boost of energy, happiness and enthusiasm at work.
  
  Having flowers at home can have a positive carry-over impact on our mood at work, too. The study found that people were more likely to feel happier and have more enthusiasm and energy at work when flowers were in their home living environments.

72% percent of Americans are just waiting to be converted to flower lovers!

A passion of mine is to show people the correlation of our emotional and social well-being and the beauty of flowers in our everyday lives. Just a flower, not a huge bouquet.

Vase Recycling

Here at Blumen Garten Florist, we're going green, and we're asking for your help in saving the environment by recycling glass vases.

If you've accumulated a lot of vases, good for you! You have family and friends who send you flowers. Sometimes these extra vases are taking up valuable storage space or are left on a dusty shelf, unused. If this is the case, you can bring your clean, used vases to our shop and we'll put them to use again. Or, if they really don't meet our quality standards, we will take them to the recycling center.

Here's How It Works
Bring your vases to our shop when you're in the neighborhood. Our shop is located at 4687 Reed Road and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and on Saturdays from 9:00 until 3:00 PM. If you come by when we're closed, simply place your vases (or box of vases) on our porch and we'll get them in the morning. We offer a FREE rose for every pair of usable vases we receive. If you plan to be a frequent recycler, you can "bank" your free flowers toward an arrangement in the future. Anyway, you look at it, those unused vases add up to value for you and us.
Why We Are Recycling Vases

No, there isn't a sudden vase shortage. And no, it won't really save us any money on vases. We just want to play a small part in helping the planet. And reusing and recycling is a great start!

Studies Confirm Flowers Improve Quality of Life

According to the Ukiah Daily Journal in Ukiah, California, scientists are finding a link between flower's ability to improve moods and increased quality of life. Scientists performed three studies, published in the April 2005 edition of Evolutionary Psychology, that demonstrated flowers' ability to positively impact mood. In the first study 147 women reported elevated moods for three days after being presented with a single flower.

In another study, 122 men and women were handed either a flower, pen, or nothing while riding on an elevator. Those who received a flower spoke more, stood closer to others, and smiled more often during the ride. The last study involved delivering bouquets to 113 men and women in a retirement community. The recipients reported positive moods and increased memory function.

It's no secret that flowers can perk up a mood. However, as scientists learn more about how to harness their positive power, we could potentially see them being used in a clinic setting to improve healing and quality of life.

Mother's Day Flower Experience

Well, the big Holiday has come & gone. I'd like to know what your Mother's Day Flower experience was - good, bad or indifferent. Let me know how you and Mom liked the flowers you received, if you got good or bad value for your money, good or bad service, and whatever else you can think of. Even if we messed up your order, I want to hear about it so we can do better next time. So cut loose!

Floral Humor

A new business was opening and one of the owner''s friends wanted to send flowers for the occasion. They arrived at the new business site and the owner read the card; it said "Rest in Peace".

The owner was angry and called the florist to complain. After he had told the florist of the obvious mistake and how angry he was, the florist said:

"Sir, I''m really sorry for the mistake, but rather than getting angry you should imagine this: somewhere there is a funeral taking place today, and they have flowers with a note saying ''Congratulations on your new location''."

Flower Show

July 10-13, 2010: The annual Ohio Florists Association Short Course will be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus Ohio. Florists who are members as well as non-members will enjoy the OFA Short Course.

You don't have to be a florist to enjoy this show. Click on the link above for details.