Welcome! I’m Mary Kelava

I’ve spent years collecting information on how flowers make us happier and healthier. I’ve created ‘The Floral Prescription’ to share everything I’ve learned with you. I hope you enjoy!

Five things about flowers and me:   

1 – My first floral memory is of sweet peas – fresh and fragrant picked straight from the garden.

When I was six years old we moved to the country.  My Mum planted a garden. It was mainly a vegetable garden, but at one end there was a trestle where sweet peas were planted. When they bloomed we would go and pick them. They were fresh and fragrant. I can honestly say that to this day, every time I smell a sweet pea I think of that garden and those freshly picked sweet peas. That’s the power of flowers!

 2 – A novel I highly recommend is ‘The Language of Flowers’, by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.

When I stumbled across this book I couldn’t believe it! How I had never before heard of ‘the language of flowers’?! I was captivated by the whole concept of each flower having a special meaning, and I’m pleased to say that I’m now well versed in floriography!

3 – At the top of my wish list for places to travel is Provence, while the lavender is in bloom.

Provence – overflowing with the sights and smells of lavender! It sounds magical to me. I haven’t managed to get there yet, but my goal is in the next five years! The only issue is, once I arrive, will I ever leave???

 4 – I use my ‘layers of lavender’ technique every night to help me sleep.

I truly believe lavender is one of the most powerful fragrances. Its ability to help us relax and sleep has been scientifically proven over and over again. I started experimenting with it and since creating my ‘layers of lavender’ technique I sleep better than ever before.

5 – My favourite ‘flower season’ is when the tulips are in bloom. 

I love tulips (especially pink ones)! In some ways, in this day and age we are very lucky. You can pretty much get whatever you want, whenever you want it. But I also think that can diminish the excitement of seasonality. Somehow, having tulips in December just doesn’t feel right! So my absolute favourite time of the year is when the tulips are locally in bloom. I buy them throughout their entire season and when they’re gone, I eagerly await next year’s season to begin.