The Sunbeams of the Floral World

The colour of flowers you choose plays a big role in what mood you create and what emotions you evoke. As we continue our way along the floral rainbow, we come to the colour orange. If red is the colour for energy, orange is the colour for enthusiasm. A radiant orange floral arrangement will have you eager to get up and get going, excited about what the day will bring.

 If I think back over time I can only come up with one memory of orange flowers – marigolds planted in the vegetable garden to deter pests. That’s it, my only memory of orange flowers. In fact until recent years, I don’t think I could even have named another orange-coloured flower. But all that has changed as I’ve learned about the effect flowers have on our well-being, colour psychology and how the two work together hand-in-hand. I’ve realized what a positive impact orange flowers have. They’re the sunbeams of the floral world spreading warmth, joy and an enthusiasm for life.

 Orange can range anywhere from a pale, light shade, to a bright citrus hue, to a dark moody tone. The pale, light shade and the bright, citrus hue, have a positive mood-boosting energy. The dark, moody tone is warm and inviting making an environment feel safe and cosy.

Orange flowers are great in any environment but one of the best places to have orange flowers is in your workplace.  Their burst of brightness will inspire creativity and increase productivity. Hospitals and care facilities are also vital places to have them as they’ll fill the room with a cheerful optimism.

If you’re searching for some orange flowers and aren’t sure which flowers to use, here are some suggestions for each season.

Winter: Use a mix of the dark, moody tones to mimic the flames of a fire creating a feeling of warmth and heat: chrysanthemums, marigolds,cosmos and zinnias;

Spring - Spring is the time for light and bright shades to represent sunshine and joy: California poppies, tulips, gerberas;

Summer - A mix of shades of orange will represent sunsets on a summer evening: roses, dahlias, lilies, snapdragons.

Autumn - Choose mostly flowers with deeper hues mixed with a bit of the brighter shades to capture warmth and sunny thoughts: chrysanthemums, cosmos, marigolds and zinnas.

The Poinsettia

December 12th is National Poinsettia Day, the perfect opportunity to share with you a Mexican legend that explains why the poinsettia is the flower of Christmas.

There was once a poor, young girl named Pepita, making her way to church on Christmas Eve. She was sad because she didn’t have a gift to present at the nativity to baby Jesus like the other children would. Her cousin reminded her that even the most humble gift, given in love, would be acceptable in His eyes. So Pepita, gathered a bundle of weeds from the roadside. As she presented the bouquet at the nativity scene, the common weeds miraculously turned into brilliant red blooms!! They became known as the ‘Flowers of the Holy Night’, what we call poinsettias.

 I first learned this story when I was a preschool teacher. Children are so inquisitive that as a teacher you tend to research a lot of things just to be able to answer all their questions. A random inquiry about the poinsettia led me to this legend. 

 Before I came across that story I don’t think I’d ever had a poinsettia during the holiday season - (Confession time: while I love flowers, I’m not very good with plants). But ever since then, I make sure I always have at least one poinsettia in my home. It usually only lasts a couple of weeks, but I find it reminds me of the lesson from the legend – it’s not about the value of the gift, but the thought behind it.

This lesson is something that can translate into giving flowers throughout the year. The smallest of posies will put a smile on someone’s face. A single bloom in a bud vase will brighten an environment. And just a small bundle of lavender will help create a calm relaxing atmosphere as you go to bed. So pick up a small bunch of fresh flowers for your home this week, and while you’re at it, perhaps also a poinsettia!

Here are five facts about poinsettias:

1 – In the language of flowers poinsettias symbolize good cheer and success; 

2 – The poinsettia is the highest selling potted plant. Red is the most popular colour followed by white and pink;

3 – Other names for the poinsettia are ‘lobster flower’ and ‘flame-leaf flower’;

4 – The ‘flower petals’ of the poinsettias are actually modified or specialized leaves.

5 – The poinsettia is originally from Mexico where it’s a perennial shrub that can grow 10-15 feet tall.

A Lesson to Learn from November's Flower

Every month has a flower associated with it, known as its “birth month flower”.

November can be cold, grey, and wet. The days are short and the nights are long. With all the dreariness around, people’s spirits can get low. Not only will flowers help lift your mood but there’s a specific flower during this time of year that we can learn a lesson from. And that’s the chrysanthemum -’November’s flower’!

When most flowers have faded away at the end of the warm, beautiful, summer months, autumn comes and the chrysanthemum bursts into bloom in golds, reds, yellows, pinks, purples, burgundy, white and even neon green. With their splashes of colour in an otherwise drab, barren landscape, they symbolize joy, cheerfulness and optimism. 

The lesson to be learned? When all around us seems bleak and dismal, let us be the one to shine bright and bring joy to others.

Here’s three ways to use flowers to spread a bit of joy:

1 – Place a small vase of flowers on your desk at work. Not only are the flowers brightening your work environment, but they’ll also brighten the moods of everyone who sees them.

2 – Place a vase of flowers in the middle of the kitchen table. Research shows that having flowers on the table sets a welcoming, relaxing environment. Family and friends will sit at the table longer chatting and enjoying each other’s company.

3 - Give a small posy of flowers to someone. Science has proven that giving flowers will brighten the mood of not only the receiver but also the giver! You’ll both have smiles on your faces.

So pop out today, pick up a few stems of flowers and add a bit of cheer to this rainy November day.

Energize with Red Flowers

I have a special memory of red flowers. When my husband and I had our first apartment, he would come home every week with half-a-dozen red carnations, put them in glass coke bottles, and place them all around the apartment. Nothing fancy -  single stems in recycled bottles - but that simple act created a happy memory that has lasted for years.

Flowers truly brighten up our lives, making us happier and healthier - in the moment, and through lasting memories. All flowers have this impact on us. But one thing to keep in mind when choosing flowers, is that each colour conveys a different mood. Once you understand what each colour is portraying, you can choose flowers that will help you create the feeling you are looking for. Today we’re going to focus on the colour red, and all that it offers.

The most popular red flower is the rose. Universally it’s understood that it symbolizes true love. This is a perfect example of how the colour of a flower can portray a specific message or emotion; a yellow rose, for example, would convey a different message than a red one. Let’s explore red flowers a bit deeper and see what other types of red flowers you can use and what moods you can create with them.

Red exudes energy. It’s fiery and passionate and represents love, courage, and strength. All red flowers have that indisputable energy, but variations of the shade can add another layer of meaning. It’s up to you to choose which shade of flower is right for you. Sometimes it’s tough to make a choice; but when I’m trying to make a decision I find great inspiration in nature. I’ll lead you through the seasons to show you what I mean.

Winter: When we think of winter we tend to think of a cold, barren, perhaps icy landscape. But if I say ‘crimson’ what pops into your mind? Holly berries, poinsettias, amaryllis, ilex – all of these thrive during the coldest season of the year and are iconic symbols of the holiday season.

Spring: Nature bursts into bloom in the spring with a plethora of floral choices. Tulips, sweet peas, ranunculus, begonia, petunias and poppies. All come in a bright, bold shade of red waking us up and getting us ready for whatever the longer days will bring our way.

Summer: The heat of summer slows things down, softening the shades of nature. Red is still abundantly available with dahlias, peonies and azaleas. When you spot them in the middle of a long hot day they add a bit of a pep to your step.

Autumn: This is the time of year which shines in golds and yellows – but reds are still prevalent. The warmth of chrysanthemums, anemones, gerberas and asters will make you feel cozy even as the days begin to chill.

Flowers are one of the best parts of any season, so turn to nature to soak up the strength and passion of red flowers all year long.

Next up on journey along the floral rainbow is orange and how it inspires enthusiasim, creativity and cheerfulness.

Layers of Lavender

 Ahhhh……bedtime. The end of a long hectic day. Time to completely wind down and fall into a long deep sleep. You snuggle into bed and, suddenly, your eyes are wide open. What happened? You’ve had a busy day, you’re tired out, you welcome sleep – but it’s just not happening. You’re wondering what can you do. Once again- flowers to the rescue!

There’s a few flowers that aid with sleep. But when you think of sleep, what’s the first flower that comes to mind? You got it - lavender. There have been a lot of studies done on lavender and whether or not it really does work to help bring about sleep. The good news is – it does. It’s a natural alternative to help you relax and unwind. The familiar rich yet mellow scent is instantly calming, while the muted shade of purple gives a gentle place to rest your eyes.

There are many ways you can incorporate lavender into your night time routine. My technique is to use layers of lavender. I’ll share with you what I do, and then you can give it a try and see what works for you. In no particular order, this is my personal ‘Layers of Lavender’ technique”:

* I place a bunch of lavender on my bedside table. Fresh lavender when it’s in season, otherwise dried. 

* In the evening I sip a cup of lavender tea. Right now I have two lavender teas I’m enjoying. The first is Organic Serenity Now, from David’s Tea, and the second is an Organic Chamomile with Lavender, from Traditional Medicinals Herbal Teas. I find both of these calm my mind and ease any tension;

*  I place a lavender sachet under my pillow. This allows the fragrance to be close to me while I’m sleeping, but not be overwhelming. The sachet I have right now is from Provence En Couleur. I bought this sachet from a local business that imports lavender to Vancouver straight from Provence. 

*  I use a roll-on of high quality essential oil on my wrists and the back of my neck just as I’m about to go to bed. This I also purchased from Provence En Couleur; 

* I really enjoy relaxing in a warm bath filled with lavender-scented bubbles. The  Lavender Foaming Bath from L’Occatine, gently perfumes my skin leaving me feeling very tranquil.

* Following the bath I smooth a lavender-scented body lotion on. I was recently given a gift of Thymes Lavender Body Lotion. This adds yet another layer of soothing fragrance.

* And I always set a diffuser with a pure lavender essential oil. The two I’ve been using recently are Lavender High Grade from Saje and AOP Fine Lavender Essential Oil from Provence En Couleur.

These are my ‘Layers of Lavender’. I suggest choosing just one or two things to start, and then try adding in a few more. I’d love to hear what works for you, and if you have any ‘layers’ that you can introduce to me.

Important note: If you have an allergy to flowers or are sensitive to scents, this is not recommended for you.

Boost Your Morning Mood With Flowers

How did you feel when you woke up this morning? Did you drag yourself out of bed, not quite awake yet? Were you a little bit grumpy? Did you stumble into the bathroom, splash some water on your face, and still feel groggy? If you did, I feel for you. That’s not a pleasant way to start the day, especially if you feel like that every day. But all is not lost - flowers to the rescue!

If you’re not a morning person, recent research confirms that flowers might be the perfect pick-me-up. Seeing flowers in the morning can boost your mood, making you happier and more energetic - not only right away, but throughout the day.

When choosing flowers to boost your morning mood there are two main things you will want to consider - colour and location.

Colour: The colour of a flower generates specific moods. If you need energy in the morning choose bright, bold coloured flowers. Bright red or yellow, intense violet, and neon green are all excellent choices. These colours will grab your attention and make you feel more alert.

Some flowers I like to use are daffodils, sunflowers, gerberas and tulips. All are ‘cheerful’ flowers and come in the bright colours that give energy.

Location: I don’t recommend putting a vase of brightly coloured flowers in your bedroom, because while you want to wake up and feel energized, you also want to be able to fall asleep at night. The two best places to have flowers to help you wake-up in the morning are the bathroom and the kitchen. Place a small vase on the bathroom counter. The brightness and freshness of the flowers will greet you as you walk in and get your day off to a good start. That feeling will continue as you walk into the kitchen and see another vase of flowers on the table - one that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

It’s important to remember - you don’t need to get fancy or spend a lot of money. A small bouquet in a glass jar, or a single stem in a bud vase is all that’s needed to get the positive, energizing effect that brightly coloured blooms have on your mood.

Top 3 Rules for Using Edible Flowers

Edible flowers have an almost magical quality. They transform even the simplest cuisine into something special. Colourful petals sprinkled over your culinary creation provide a pleasing aesthetic that puts a smile on your face. Using dried flowers in your baking or savory dishes adds a unique hint of flavour that is a delight to your taste buds. But before you decide to ‘up your cooking game’ by grabbing a handful of flowers from your garden, or picking some petals off that beautiful bouquet you just received, remember – not all flowers are edible! When using flowers in your dishes, there are some important things you need to consider.  

Here are my top 3 rules for using edible flowers.

 1 – Never assume a flower is edible.  The first thing you need to do is identify the flower exactly. There are lists online that you can use to find out what varieties of flowers are edible. (I often use this one at West Coast Seeds .) If, after checking the list, you’re still in doubt about whether your flower is edible or not – don’t use it. It’s much better to be safe than sorry. Another thing you need to know is where the flower was grown. You do not want to use flowers that have been exposed to pesticides or chemicals; and you also don’t want flowers that have grown by the roadside and are covered with exhaust fumes. Organic is the only way to go. So choose from a home garden that has not used pesticides or chemicals, a reputable flower farmer, or a store that clearly labels their packages ‘organic’.

2 – Clean your blossoms. Wash and pat dry your flowers before you use them. If you’ve picked them from the garden, or bought them from a flower farmer, check for any little bugs that might be hanging on. Edible flowers are best used when first purchased or picked, but you can expand their life a little by storing them in an airtight container in the vegetable section of the refrigerator.

3. Be aware of allergies. While flowers are a great addition to your cooking and baking, they’re still considered a danger to those with allergies. Always check with your guests. Again – better to be safe than sorry.

These are some basic rules. I can’t wait to share with you more information about edible flowers and especially some recipes that will take your cooking, baking, and beverages to a whole new level!

The Floral Rainbow

Flowers are an easy and affordable way to add a splash of colour to your life. When you look at a beautiful bouquet, the colour of the flowers will determine the emotion you feel. Every colour, from the deepest red to the palest purple, conveys a meaning and an emotion.

 I’ve always been drawn to the colour pink. For as long as I can remember it’s been my favourite colour. In fact I once had an all-black kitten that I named ‘Pinky’. So it probably goes without saying that I love pink flowers. They make me happy. If I ever have a choice – I choose pink.  But recently, with all that I’ve learned about colour psychology, I’ve become more open to other options.

Take yellow for instance. Yellow is not a colour I would usually choose for anything. But yellow is a colour that represents everything I love: happiness, optimism, joy, and friendship. How could I not be surrounding myself with yellow flowers, and basking in the message they send?

All colours portray a specific meaning and it’s important not to limit yourself to just your ‘favourite’ colour. There are colours that are energizing - red, orange and yellow. If you deal with fatigue, having flowers around you in these colours can give you a bit of zing. Then there are colours that are calming - light blue, pale purple and soft green. If you have trouble sleeping at night, try a vase with pastel-coloured flowers in the bedroom to set a relaxing mood.

We’re going to be working our way through the rainbow looking at each colour in depth; what each colour represents, what its benefits are, what message it sends and examples of flowers in that specific colour that are available each season throughout the year.

Stay tuned. Coming up first - red!

Flowers….good for the soul!

Flowers are good for the soul! They’ve stood the test of time, across all cultures, proving that they’re something we need in our lives. That’s right – we need flowers!

Science has proven over and over that flowers make us happier and healthier. Something as simple as looking at a flower can boost your mood. The impact is immediate; that’s powerful! And yet the impact is also long lasting. Your mood will be better throughout the whole day and the memories can last a lifetime.

It’s really interesting to think about. Flowers are often seen as something for special occasions, but they have proven health benefits.  If you can actually improve someone’s mood with flowers, why aren’t they seen as a daily necessity?

When I delivered flowers for my floral business I saw this positive impact hundreds of times. Not once has anyone ever opened the door to me and frowned because they’re receiving flowers - everyone smiles!

Try this: Walk down a busy street as you normally would. Look at the faces of the people walking towards you. Most people will keep walking by, busy with their own thoughts. 

Now, walk down the street again, but this time carry a big colourful bouquet of fresh flowers. The difference is amazing! People’s faces light up! Just the sight of the flowers as you walk past makes them smile and brightens their day. The added magic - you’ll find yourself smiling, too. How could you not with all that happiness beaming your way!?

Adding flowers to your life doesn’t have to be a chore or be expensive. There’s a multitude of easy, affordable ways you can do it. As the weeks go by I’ll share idea after idea with you. You’ll find it’s much easier than you think to incorporate this healthy habit into your life. You’ll see - it won’t be long at all before you (and those around you) start benefiting from the restorative nature of flowers. 

Flowers - at the Heart of it!

The heart of The Floral Prescription is the restorative nature of flowers on our mental, physical and emotional well-being. Up until now you may have thought of flowers as an indulgence, only for special occasions. But science has proven that flowers have undeniable benefits on our well-being so we should be thinking of them as a necessity!

I’ve broken down six ways in which flowers have a positive affect on us – mood, environment, anxiety, sleep, productivity, and memory. This is an overview to set us up for more in-depth discussions about each individual area in the weeks to come.

1 – Mood: Flowers boost our mood: Instinct tells us that flowers make us happy. Scientific studies have proven it. We can literally change our mood or someone else’s with fresh flowers. When you see flowers, the positive effect on your happiness is immediate. Your spirits will be lifted, and that in turn will improve your mental and emotional well-being for the rest of the day.

 2 – Environment: Flowers brighten our environment: It’s scientifically known that adding flowers to an interior promotes well-being. Flowers brighten up a space, creating a more positive atmosphere, making it more welcoming. Think of flowers as a form of natural art. They evoke emotions and feelings. And, like art, there is some strategy involved in where to place them to reap the most benefits. You don’t need to get fancy. There are simple tips and tricks I’ll share with you on how to best display your flowers and how to get the longest vase life.

3 – Anxiety:  Flowers decrease our anxiety: In a life that moves at a frantic pace, flowers provide a moment of calm. Research studies show that the presence of flowers can decrease anxiety, making them a must-have at home, work and in the classroom.

 4 – Sleep: Flowers improve our sleep: Some of us struggle with sleep every night and some just occasionally, but either way there are things you can do to improve your chances of having a good night’s sleep. Something as simple as having the right flowers in your bedroom can make a difference. While lavender has the best reputation as a soothing flower to help you relax, there are plenty of others. In the upcoming weeks I’ll share all the different varieties of flowers that are known to aid sleep and relaxation, as well as the specific ways to use them.

5 – Productivity: Flowers increase our productivity: Whether you work from home, in a small business or the corner office of a big corporation, research has shown that employees’ creative performance, problem-solving skills, and creative thinking improves when there are flowers in the environment. I’ll share with you specific ways to use flowers to promote your staff’s well-being and to make a connection with your surrounding community.

6 – Memory: Flowers strengthen our memory: Flowers, with their vibrant colours and fragrant scents, can conjure memories more than other objects. The memory of the sweet scent of flowers can cause a powerful emotional reaction. Creating these moments in childhood will strengthen your memory when you’re older. I can’t wait to share the research that has been done and the techniques you can use to promote a strong memory.

I look forward to not only sharing the research with you, but sharing how I’ve taken what I’ve learned and used it to promote a healthy, happy atmosphere in my own home.