Flowers in Winter

In the middle of winter, the chilly days, cold winds and grey skies can really take their toll. There’s no better way to remind yourself or someone you care about that spring is isn’t far off, than with a colourful, cheery arrangement of flowers. Although it seems obvious that flowers provide a bright and happy contrast to the bleakness of a snowy, rainy Canadian winter, the power of flowers to alter our mood for the better may be more significant than most people know.

First off, the visual impact of flowers is a welcome sight to behold. What better greeting after a trek outside than a bright, inviting vase of flowers? Spring tulips and hyacinths mixed with iris and gerbera, a bouquet of smiling sunflowers or a lush tropical plant remind us that warmer weather and blue skies will soon be on the way. And by bringing nature’s beauty indoors, you can enjoy a fresh and attractive floral decoration no matter how inclement it may be outside.

The impact of flowers is far greater than simply appreciating some pretty posies. Numerous scientific studies have proven that there is a definite link between flowers and how we human beings respond to them in such a positive manner. Research done at Rutgers University indicates that receiving flowers immediately increases happiness and reduces stress. This fact is universal among all age groups and applies to both women and men. Recipients always express what psychologists refer to as a “genuine” or “true” smile upon being presented with flowers.

Another interesting study found that when bouquets of blooms were given to senior citizens, their depression and anxiety decreased, while cognitive functions such as memory, improved considerably. Yet another good reason to send flowers to Grandma!

In one controlled experiment, scientists boarded an office building elevator and offered riders either a free pen, a complimentary single Gerbera or nothing at all. The researchers noted that although people were somewhat happy upon receiving the pen, everybody was extremely pleased upon receiving the flower instead. In fact, to their surprise, the scientists even had people come back to the elevator and specifically ask if they could please have a flower!

Other noteworthy observations include the impact of flowers and plants in the workplace and how their presence increases productivity and creative problem solving while at the same time reducing stress. Control groups were given identical tasks to perform in a room that included one of the following: a piece of artistic sculpture, an arrangement of flowers and plants or no decorative stimuli whatsoever. Not surprisingly, researchers found that the co-workers who generated more ideas and showed more innovative thinking and problem-solving skills were indeed the ones in the setting which included plants and flowers. Food for thought for businesses wishing to increase productivity in the workplace. Some well-placed office greenery just might increase your company’s bottom line!

So the next time you need to feel inspired, be creative, relax or simply cheer yourself up, either visit or call Martin's, the Flower People and let us provide you with a floral solution to brighten up your own environment or someone else’s. You’ll be glad you did.