Can Flowers Affect Mood and Depression? A Rutgers Study Says “Yes”

The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed, according to a recent behavioral research study conducted at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

Nature provides us with a simple way to improve emotional health in a high-tech, fast-paced 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 moods. 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, professor of psychology at Rutgers and lead researcher on the study. “Now science shows us that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well-being.”

Popular flowers this year are pale pink or green hydrangea, fragrant peonies combined with tree ivy, and, bright, cheerful Gerbera daisies in yellow, orange, white, pink or red.

Many customers like to pick their own vase rather than order the vase with flowers and give separately; a popular one being a simple square, clear vases give a contemporary look to arrangements. Tulips or other flowers are used as fillers in place of greenery, and foam is not widely used as a base. If floral foam is needed to stabilize heavier arrangements, it is available in colors other than the once-common dark green.

It’s really not necessary to spend $80 or $100 for a floral bouquet. Even quality glamorous, arrangements are available for $29 to $49. They can be delivered for an additional charge.

Professional florists help share the milestones of people’s lives through flowers, and we help the sender choose the right bouquet. A seasoned florist with a web site offers flower history and trivia to allow the sender to know what the “Language Of Certain Flowers” actually means.

Flowers come from all over the world – fresh, showy flowers that will last a long time.

Plants that keep giving
“This Old House” contractor Roger Cook offers some suggestions outside of traditional cut bouquets.

“It’s the height of spring, and there are gifts that have all the fragrance, variety and style of cut flowers but will come back year after year,” Cook said.

His 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’s rose garden.

o Ivy. For this nice, low-maintenance option, choose from indoor and outdoors varieties with lush green leaves for a clean, fresh look.

o Herb garden. Create your custom-picked herbs. Imagine what your mom likes to cook and eat, and go from there.

o Geraniums. These are bright and beautiful in red, coral or white. You can fill hanging baskets or pots.

Marianna’s SOS Flowers co-owner Rick London says that red or pink roses remain an all time
favorite, but close runners-up include irises, tulips, carnations and geraniums.