In the Garden with Pat Rubin

Bee garden writer Pat Rubin writes about everything that grows, from flowers and trees to vegetables and lawns. Pat volunteered for several years as a Placer County Master Gardener and has written about gardening for many national and regional publications. In addition to gardening, she spends time raising and showing miniature horses and miniature donkeys.

In the Garden will include news, events, advice and other gardening tidbits. Pat will also answer reader questions.

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October 30, 2007

Flowers bring cheer and happiness to a room

Researchers at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered something every gardener already knows: fresh cut flowers in the house make you more energetic, less anxious, more compassionate, and happier.

The study followed 54 participants, aged 25 to 60, and had them rate their feelings at various times of day, both when flowers were present and when they were not.

“Participants reported being happier and more energetic after seeing flowers first thing in the morning, especially in the kitchen,” according to the press release. “In addition to the daily cup of coffee, early birds should also consider indulging in another proven pick-me-up, fresh-cut flowers.”

What gardener can resist cutting a few flowers to bring into the house anyway? Flowers add a dash of color, a spot of cheer. They bring a bit of the outside inside.

I try to bring flowers in the house--and the office--every week. When fresh cut flowers from the garden are sparse, I'll buy flowers at the grocery store or local Farmer's Market. And I’m always on the lookout for unusual ways to display them. I have plenty of vases, but I love flowers in quart canning jars, glasses, cans, teapots, whatever strikes me and whatever fits the bouquet. I’ve put tiny sprigs of violets in shot glasses or votive candleholders. I’ve floated camellia and aster blooms in shallow plates or bowls. Having flowers in the house is a definite pick-me-up. The researchers could have asked a gardener.

Bottom line: snip a few flowers to enjoy during breakfast.

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