Fresh Flowers Are Good for Your Health

Flash back to the late 1960s and early 70s and you will hear the phrase "Flower Power". The movement that developed then, in opposition to the Vietnam War, was fueled by young people known as "hippies" or "flower children". They covered their clothing and vehicles in floral designs and wore blooms in their hair. Some handed out flowers to authorities or placed them into rifle barrels in the name of peace. The delicate symbolism of a freshly-cut blossom packed a powerful message of life and love.

The same holds true today.

The floral industry is a commercial giant for good reason. People are naturally drawn to the beauty of flowers, every bit as much as a pollinating bird or bee. We don't usually eat flowers, though some are edible, yet they are food for the senses and the soul. Flowers speak for us when words are not enough. Flowers convey the message, "I love you" or "I'm sorry" or "I'm thinking of you today". Flowers touch us on an emotional level so that our response to a floral gift is immediate and clear, no matter the occasion.

What are occasions for flowers? There are many traditional ones. Lovers give bouquets to woo romantic interest. Weddings abound with floral arrangements in celebration. Funerals would be barren without them. Then there's my favorite reason to give or receive flowers: Just Because.

Just because I saw these flowers and you came to mind.

Just because I knew you had a bad day.

Just because I know you love them.

Just because you're you.

What a gift from one heart to another. That's what flowers are. Numerous studies like the Home Ecology of Flowers Study conducted by researchers at Harvard University and led by Dr. Nancy Etcoff (cited here) show scientifically that fresh flowers make people feel better. We don't need science to tell us that. Our own reaction is the proof.

I adore flowers and I seem to have passed on that love to my daughter. We both plant as many blooming varieties as we can in our gardens each year and delight in watching them grow. The rewarding part, however, is bringing cuttings inside. Those bouquets brighten the house and lift spirits like nothing else. Even better, my daughter will occasionally visit my home while I am at work and leave behind vases of gorgeous blooms. Lilacs in spring, zinnias in summer, the last of the hollyhocks in the fall. When I open the door, there they are, shouting her greetings and thoughtfulness to me, making me smile. It is my favorite surprise.

If you don't have a garden to raid, you'll have to purchase a bouquet. It is money well-spent. Fresh cut flowers are available in every price range, from under ten dollars at the grocery to whatever you can afford at the florist. No matter where you purchase them, the message will be the same. The recipient will feel special -and loved- because that's what flowers say.

Personally, my devotion to flowers is such that I welcome any and all arrangements. I don't care if they cost a bundle or nothing at all. I don't care if they arrive in a designer vase or a jelly jar. But closest to my heart will always be the blooms cut out of the backyard and left on my coffee table or kitchen windowsill. That's a healthy dose of love.

Flower power forever.