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.