April is Stress Awareness Month and we’re pleased to share the Top 10 Reasons Why Life Is Better With Plants & Flowers. We’ve always known this truth, but modern science is backing it up with ongoing studies and release of findings in the areas of horticultural therapy treatment.
As humans, we have an innate instinct to connect with nature, it’s called biophilia, and it’s a whole thing! We could go on for days about all the revelations being documented on this topic, but instead we have curated our favorite fun facts and top article archives, supporting good reason to surround yourself with flowers & plants!
1. Flowers Make People Happy
According to behavioral research conducted at Rutgers, flowers were found to improve emotional health in several ways:
- Flowers have an immediate and universal impact on happiness.
- Flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods. Specifically, study participants reported feeling less depressed, anxious and agitated after receiving flowers, and demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction.
- Flowers make intimate connections. The presence of flowers in a room, led to increased contact with family and friends who shared the space.
See how to Color Your Mood With Flowers
2. Breathe Easier
When NASA researchers set out to find the best ways to clean indoor air in space stations, they identified several houseplants to be natural air purifying plants.
We wrote about it for National Indoor Plant Week and we created a NASA inspired Air Purifying Plant Collection.
3. Less Stress
The 2018 study, The Impact of Flowers on Perceived Stress Among Women, concludes that adding flowers to indoor environments results in a statistically significant and meaningful reduction in stress.
There have also been studies showing correlations between the being in presence of nature, plants or flowers helps to improve mental health, promote healing in hospitals, and support better community.
Directing energy toward caring for plants, tending a garden, or common outdoor spaces, invites a sense of nurturing and positive investment in quality of life.
We share more in our blog on how Flowers Relieve Stress.
4. Morning Mood Booster
Researchers at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital conducted a behavioral study that confirmed we feel least positive in the early hours and found people reported being happier and more energetic after looking at flowers first thing in the morning.
Further, this positive mood carried into the day much earlier than without flowers, producing mood contagion, the transfer of happy feelings to others.
5. Garden Rx
Holistic practitioners are increasingly adopting green care, prescribing garden therapy, a beneficial combination of physical activity, social interaction and exposure to nature and sunlight:
- Opportunity to awaken all the senses: Sight, Sound, Touch, Smell, Taste.
- Increased Vitamin D helps lower blood pressure
- Closer to the earth, home-grown fruits and vegetables are healthier, more affordable, sustainable, accessible options for the diet, and are full of valuable vitamins and nutrients.
- Working the garden supports dexterity, strength and calorie burning.
- Community gardens provide a means of combating social isolation for those with learning disabilities or poor mental health.
- Tending a garden can slow or help prevent the development of dementia.
We’ve been promoting the Health Benefits of Gardening for a long time.
6. Less Screen Time More Green Time
Recent CDC surveys show staggering DAILY screen time statistics for children viewing a screen for entertainment purposes.
We know the benefits of being nature are greater than being in front of a screen, so it only makes sense we would increase our green time over screen time.
Going offline, getting outdoors for a gentle walk in the nature, maintaining a garden, and simply being around plants and flowers, are healthy practices for mind, body and soul – for all ages.
7. Plants In The Workplace
From office environments, to home or remote work places, spaces with plants are shown to:
- Increase Productivity
- Boost Creativity
- Reduce Stress
- Present A Positive Image
- Naturally Air Purifying
- Mental
Learn more about the benefits of Plants In The Workspace
8. To Give Is Better Than To Receive
M.J. Ryan, award-winning author of the Random Acts of Kindness book series, teaches how gratitude and generosity can result in greater happiness, health and feelings of human connectivity. Her logic is supported by another Rutgers Human Emotions Lab study, showing:
Both men and women who give flowers are perceived as happy, achieving, strong, capable and courageous people.
Men and women come across as more emotionally intelligent; they give the impression they can effectively express their feelings and take time to understand the feelings of others.
Female floral gifters are viewed as more appreciative of beauty and nature.
Get our Pro Guide To Cutting Gardens for giving all season long. Create a garden legacy by sharing divided plants with a friend or neighbor. Give back to you community and grow a row in your vegetable garden for a local charity.
9. Bio Diversity
Garden plants, particularly native plants, are not only pleasing to the eye, they can also be beneficial to the environment and local wildlife:
- Don’t require fertilizer and rely on less pesticides
- Need less water than lawns
- Help prevent soil erosion
- Provide food and habitat for wildlife
- Promote biodiversity
Make a difference in your own back yard by Planting A Butterfly Garden. The kids will love it!
Here For You
From beginners to experts, or even for those who prefer not to DIY, our pro’s are here to lend their knowledge in selecting flowers, houseplants, garden plants, edibles, plant gifts, and landscape design or care. Plants & flowers are our passion. We grow and nurture most of our stock right here onsite, with the care and expertise that means greater success for you at home.
We are members of the National Association of Landscaper’s and we’d love to show you how Healthy Landscapes Are The Root Of Happiness.
Visit us and share your needs – we’ll show you how life is better with flowers and plants!
Get started on your Garden Wishlist with our free online Plant Finder Tool or check out our Garden Center page for a sneak peek at what’s in season.
My Pro Tip
10. Self-Care Is Rare
#10 has to be our favorite. Stop and think about how many moments and how many acts in the last day or week were solely just for you? Treating yourself to flowers, for no particular reason can color your mood. Plants have so much to give and ask for very little in return. The garden can be a sanctuary for the spirit.
Our Grab & Go Bouquets are always at the ready in store and our Fresh Wrapped Bouquets can be ordered online for local and nationwide delivery. They are the perfect act of self love.
A Fragrant Garden creates a lovely oasis for the senses in your favorite outdoor space.
We welcome visitors to our greenhouse and garden center anytime – simply for the sake of the peace and serenity to be found among the plants and flowers.
See You At Studley’s!
