The Power of Flowers

There is just something about having fresh cut flowers in the home or spending the day outside in nature that can leave individuals feeling a little happier and refreshed. Research has shown that spending time in nature, even for just 20 minutes, can significantly reduce stress hormones. Time in nature has also been shown to decrease inflammation, lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce anxiety, decrease depression, and decrease fatigue. In addition, Rutgers University conducted the Emotional Impact of Flowers Study which concluded that flowers have an immediate impact on happiness, a long-term positive effect on mood such as feeling less depressed, anxious, and agitated while having an increased sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction, and finally flowers help make intimate connections. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, In February 2021, 43.6% of adults in Kentucky reported symptoms of anxiety or depression and 22.8% were not able to get the needed counseling or therapy. Also, according to Kentucky Health Facts, Boone County residents reported having an average of 4 days per month of mentally unhealthy days meaning their mental health including stress, depression and problems with emotion were not good, as compared to an average of 5 days per month as a state. Unfortunately, while there has been an increase in anxiety and depression over recent years, there has also been an increase in the cost of flowers. According to the Labor Department, prices of indoor plants and flowers have gone up 14% since the beginning of the pandemic.

Taking all of this into consideration, the Boone County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and Boone County 4-H Agent partnered and created the program The Power of Flowers. This three-part series took place over three months and was held outside at the Boone County Environmental and Nature Center. The Family and Consumer Sciences Agent taught about the mental and physical health benefits of flowers and being in nature as well as how they can improve our relationships and our communities. The 4-H Agent taught how to create a cut-flower garden at home as well as floral design. There were 14-17 participants that attended one or multiple sessions. The participants were able to do a hands-on activity each session making floral arrangements, bouquets, a floral bracelet, and a boutonniere. One participant made a second arrangement with extra materials and gave it to someone she knew who was going through a rough time. The participant said it made her friend’s day. Educational handouts were provided for topics discussed. Participants were able to teach back the health benefits of flowers and nature as well as ways to design flowers and save money by growing them themselves. One participant stated: “I enjoyed the program.  You did a great job and I definitely benefited by attending!  I feel better by being there, so it just proves that flowers do have power for good!”  This program allowed individuals time to relax in nature while learning about why the relaxation happens and how to spread the relaxation and happiness into the home with cut flowers.