Flowers for Self-Care

How Fresh Blooms Boost Mood and Wellness


I often find myself musing over this irony: as florists, we’re surrounded by flowers every day, yet we rarely receive them ourselves. My husband’s usual response is, “But you work with flowers all the time, and there are always bits and bobs left over.” True, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love receiving them! He’s a caring man, but sometimes, men just don’t quite get it, do they?

So, you can imagine how special it felt to receive flowers from friends while I was recovering from surgery. How does it make you feel to receive flowers? Loved, cherished, remembered, thought of. It’s such a simple gesture, yet it speaks volumes.

And it doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. Even a humble bunch of daffodils on a crisp Spring day can bring the sunshine indoors. And who can resist smiling at a bright, cheerful bouquet of sunflowers?🌻 Delivering arrangements to clients and seeing their surprise and delight is one of the most satisfying parts of my job. Knowing that flowers can bring so much joy never gets old.

I’ll admit, I don’t often buy flowers for myself, but why not? If it brightens your day and lifts your spirits, isn’t that reason enough?

As the flower secretary at our local church, I’ve seen firsthand how much impact flowers can have. Our team of arrangers often hears wonderful compliments about their designs, and after services, the arrangements are sent to parishioners who may be unwell or grieving. The feedback is always heartwarming—how the flowers brighten their day, lift their mood, and make them feel cared for. Isn’t it remarkable that something as simple as flowers can have such a profound effect? 😊

What is it about flowers that works this magic? Is it the arrangement, the colours, or the blooms themselves? The truth is—it’s all of those things. The beauty of a design can inspire, while pastel tones bring calm and serenity, and vivid hues inject energy and vibrancy. Even the act of touching flowers and foliage can be grounding, offering a welcome distraction during tough times. And let’s not forget scent: the delicate fragrance of freesia or roses and the crisp freshness of eucalyptus are unmatched.

Science even backs this up—flowers are proven to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. And it’s not just flowers; indoor plants play their part too. They clear the air, encourage relaxation, and pottering about with plants can be unexpectedly therapeutic. (Let’s not forget, even the King himself is known for chatting to his plants!)

So, whether it’s flowers, foliage, or a houseplant, never underestimate their power to heal, uplift, and connect us with nature’s beauty.