0 Cart
Added to Cart
    You have items in your cart
    You have 1 item in your cart
      Total

      The Therapeutic Power of Receiving Flowers: Nature's Gift for the Soul

      The Therapeutic Power of Receiving Flowers: Nature's Gift for the Soul

      Nature has a profound way of touching our hearts and soothing our souls.

      One of the most delightful and therapeutic ways nature does this is through the simple act of receiving flowers. Flowers have been cherished throughout human history for their beauty, fragrance, and the emotions they convey.

      Beyond their aesthetic appeal, research and personal experiences suggest that the therapy of receiving flowers can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the science and the emotional benefits of receiving flowers.

      The Science Behind Flower Therapy

      It might come as a surprise, but science supports the idea that flowers have therapeutic effects on our mental and emotional state. Here are some intriguing findings:

      1. Boosts Mood: Numerous studies have shown that the sight of flowers triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, commonly known as "feel-good" chemicals. These neurotransmitters play a crucial role in regulating our mood and overall sense of well-being.

      2. Reduces Stress: Exposure to flowers has been linked to lower stress levels. Research published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that simply looking at a vase of flowers can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, in our bodies.

      3. Enhances Creativity: Flowers can stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving. A study conducted at Harvard University found that the presence of flowers in the workplace increased productivity and creativity among employees.

      4. Improves Relationships: Gifting someone flowers can strengthen the bond between individuals. It's a universal gesture of love and appreciation that can improve both personal and professional relationships.

       

      The Emotional Benefits

      Receiving flowers goes beyond the scientific explanations; it's also about the emotional impact they have on us. Here are some of the emotional benefits:

      1. Joy and Delight: The moment someone hands you a bouquet of flowers, or you find them waiting for you, an instant feeling of joy and delight washes over you. It's like a burst of happiness in a vase.

      2. Feelings of Love and Appreciation: Whether it's a romantic partner, a friend, or a family member giving you flowers, it's a tangible symbol of their love and appreciation for you. It conveys a message that words sometimes cannot.

      3. Connection to Nature: In our increasingly urbanized and digital world, flowers provide a connection to nature. They remind us of the beauty and simplicity of the natural world, grounding us in the present moment.

      4. Comfort in Difficult Times: Flowers have a unique way of providing comfort during difficult times. They can serve as a source of solace and a reminder that beauty can still be found even in challenging circumstances.

      Practical Ways to Incorporate Flower Therapy

      1. Self-Care: Treat yourself to fresh flowers regularly. Place them in your living space, and take a moment each day to appreciate their beauty and fragrance.

      2. Gift-Giving: Show your loved ones you care by surprising them with flowers on special occasions or for no reason at all. It's a heartfelt gesture that can strengthen your relationships.

      3. Gardening: If possible, consider starting a small garden or tending to indoor plants. Gardening can be a therapeutic activity that allows you to connect with nature and experience the joy of nurturing life.

      The therapy of receiving flowers is a simple yet powerful way to enhance our mental and emotional well-being.

      Science tells us that flowers can positively impact our brain chemistry, and personal experiences remind us of the profound emotional connection we share with these natural wonders.

      So, whether you're looking to brighten your own day or bring joy to someone else's, don't underestimate the power of a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

      Embrace the therapeutic gift of nature, and let flowers continue to inspire and heal your soul.

      6 reasons to choose sustainable flowers

      6 reasons to choose sustainable flowers

      Flowers are beautiful, colourful, and fragrant.

      They are a symbol of love, gratitude, and celebration.

      But, have you ever considered the environmental impact of the flower industry?

      From the pesticides used to grow them to the carbon emissions involved in transporting them, the flower industry can be quite damaging to the environment.

      However, there are ways to make flower-giving more sustainable.

      In this blog post, we will discuss sustainable flowers and how you can make more environmentally-friendly choices.

      What are sustainable flowers?

      Sustainable flowers are flowers that are grown and distributed in a way that is environmentally-friendly and socially responsible. This means that they are grown using sustainable farming practices that minimise the use of harmful chemicals and reduce waste. Sustainable flowers are also transported using eco-friendly methods, such as electric vehicles, to reduce carbon emissions. 

      How can you choose sustainable flowers?

      1. Buy UK grown flowers: Buying locally grown flowers is the best way to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting flowers. When you buy locally grown flowers, you support local farmers and reduce the environmental impact of shipping flowers from far away.

      2. Choose organic flowers: Organic flowers are grown without the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides. By choosing organic flowers, you support sustainable farming practices that protect the environment and the health of the people who grow and handle the flowers. 

      3. Look for certifications: Look for certifications such as Veriflora or Fairtrade. These certifications ensure that the flowers were grown and distributed using sustainable practices and that the workers who grew and handled the flowers were treated fairly.

      4. Choose in-season flowers: Choosing in-season flowers means that they were grown naturally and did not require artificial heating or lighting to grow. This reduces the energy required to grow and transport the flowers.

      5. Consider the vase life: Flowers that have a longer vase life, such as lilly or chrysanthemums, will last longer and produce less waste than flowers with a shorter vase life. This reduces the number of flowers you need to buy over time, which is more sustainable.

      6. Avoid floral foam: Floral foam is a non-biodegradable material that is commonly used to hold flowers in place in arrangements. It is harmful to the environment and can take hundreds of years to decompose. Instead, use reusable vases or biodegradable floral foam alternatives.

      Why choose sustainable flowers?

      Choosing sustainable flowers is an important way to reduce the environmental impact of the flower industry. By supporting sustainable farming practices and eco-friendly transportation methods, you can help reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment. In addition, by choosing flowers that are grown without harmful chemicals and pesticides, you can help protect the health of the people who grow and handle the flowers.

      Sustainable flowers are also often fresher and of higher quality. They are grown with care and attention to detail, resulting in flowers that are more vibrant, fragrant, and long-lasting. This means that sustainable flowers not only look and smell better, but they also last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements and reducing waste.

      In addition, choosing sustainable flowers can also support local economies. By buying locally grown flowers, you support local farmers and businesses, creating jobs and economic growth in your community.

      In conclusion, sustainable flowers are a beautiful and environmentally-friendly option for flower-giving. By choosing locally grown, organic, and certified flowers, you can reduce the environmental impact of the flower industry and support sustainable farming practices. So, the next time you want to give flowers, consider choosing sustainable flowers for a more beautiful and sustainable world.

      You can't wait for spring to arrive! Here are 5 signs to check......

      You can't wait for spring to arrive! Here are 5 signs to check......

      We all love to watch nature awakening after winter, the dark, cold days finally start to fade and it’s time to head outside and enjoy nature’s wonderful signs of spring.
      We already saw many snowdrops blooming and we can wait for the daffodils to feel our fields and all the hedgerows and woods burst with life and colours.
      Spring signs herald the new life, sunshine and longer days to come, and are a welcome sight after months of gloomy weather.

      When does spring officially start?

      We officially enter in spring on the Spring Equinox that this year is on the 20th of March.
      That isn’t to say that nature waits until the Equinox to show off her spring signs.

      What are the first signs of spring?

      Flowers

      Snowdrops are brave pioneers, nosing through frozen ground at our places as early as January.

      Soon after, the early bulbs come through - purple crocuses, iris, winter aconite and scillas. 

      Towards the end of February into March, yellow daffodils are cheering us up.

      The last hurrah of spring flowers are the bluebells in early May. They're a beautiful, but fragile flower, be sure to stick to paths so you don't trample them.

      The arrival of migrant birds

      Sand martins are usually first to arrive, dropping back into their favoured nest sites around mid-March.

      Their gorgeous cousins, the petrol-blue house martins, follow closely behind and tend to enter our skies as April arrives.

      Swallows return around the same time while swifts, with their iconic sickle-shaped wings and joyful screams, bring up the rear, soaring back into the UK between April and May.

      A surge in birdsong & Nest-building

      You might notice the birdsong building from February as birds start singing again to attract mates or warn rivals off their patch.

      In late March and April you can see evidence of remarkable workmanship. Blackbirds, robins and song thrushes build classic, bowl-shaped nests of woven grasses and twigs.They're often camouflaged with moss and lined with mud.

      Rooks are more noisy and messy. They collect sticks and drop them on tree branches until they lodge and build up into a scruffy nest.

      Other birds make use of existing holes in trees or under the eaves of roofs.

      Tree - buds and blossom

      Spring is a busy time for trees.

      In early spring the tree roots start moving water and nutrients from the soil up to the rest of the tree. 

      The buds resting dormant since autumn are ready to burst into leaf when there's enough sunlight.

      Many trees flower around this time. Some tree flowers are tricky to spot, although the confetti blossom of fruit trees or waxy blooms of magnolia are beautiful and obvious. 

      Early butterflies and bees

      Warmer days rouse bees and butterflies from their winter slumber.

      The first sign of a bumblebee or butterfly is a sure sign that spring is on its way. Hoverflies, some butterflies and hibernating bees will come out at the first sign of warm weather.

      The queen bees are searching for nests any time from February to April.

      Some butterflies are immigrants from warmer climes in spring, others hibernate and overwinter as butterflies, eggs or caterpillars. 

      Would you like to know which British flowers are in season in early Spring?

      Read our blog post HERE:

      Spring Flowers

      Press Flowers Workshop

      Press Flowers Workshop

      How to Press Flowers and Preserve Your Favourite Blooms

      Pressed flowers are a simple way to preserve a moment in time.

      By pressing flowers, you can save a thoughtful bouquet from a loved one or commemorate flowers from a special event.

      Plus, it's an easy way to keep the beauty of spring and summer blooms alive (almost) forever.

      Unlike a bouquet of dried flowers, pressed flowers are great for framing and displaying as art, giving as a sentimental giftor dressing up handwritten cards and letters.

      Selecting Flowers for Pressing

      If you're pressing flowers from a bouquet, it's best to start as soon as possible; don't wait until the day before you'll have to throw the arrangement out.

      Choose a few flowers to remove from the bouquet while all the blooms are still fresh.

      The better the quality of the blooms at picking time, the better they'll look when dried and pressed.

      If you're picking your own flowers from the garden, keep in mind that it's best to pick flowers in the morning after dew has evaporated.

      Wet flowers are prone to mold.

      Harvest them when they're ready to open their buds or just before their peak.

      Choose flowers that have a flat bud. If the bloom is globe shaped, you can cut it in half so that it’s easier to press.

      Also collect blooms and foliage at different stages of development to give your design a natural look.

      How to press flowers with a flower press

      Flowers with naturally flat blooms are the easiest to press, such as violets and daisies. 

      If you're pressing flowers with pollen like alstroemeria and lillies, is very important remove that you remove the pollen otherwise the petal will stain.

      Ferns and other types of leaves also flatten nicely.

      You can also dry chunky flowers such as multi-petal roses or carnations but they'll take longer and need a bit more attention.

      Flowers Press Workshop

      1 - Pop your chosen flower(s) in between your two pieces of paper and place this inside the press.

      2 - Once you have all the layer you want to press prepared, sandwich your full stack between the pieces of wood and use the 4 screws, washers and wigs nuts to hold the press together. 

      3 - The flowers will be completely dry and ready to remove in two to three weeks - 

      4 - Remove your paper carefully, as the dry flower will be extremely delicate.

      Top tip – If you're looking to press several flowers at once then make sure they have enough room between them and aren't touching or overlapping.

      Press Flowers Workshop UK

       

      Workshops in Oakham, Rutland.

      Workshops in Oakham, Rutland.

       

      Finally are here!

      After many request from September we will start to host a range of different workshops at The Rutland Garden Village in Oakham and at few other venue within the Rutland, Leicestrshire area.

      Create with your hands

      There’s something wonderful about working with your hands. 

      Floristry has a calming, restorative effect. We call it flower therapy. 

      Our workshops are designed to inspire. You’ll leave full of confidence and an urge to create. For friends, for teams, for flower lovers flying solo. 

      Beginners or seasoned snippers.  The experience is relaxed, fun and filled with flowers.

      Oakham flowers schol

      The workshops

      We are passionate about using British flowers and we will sharing our world of sustainable floristry.

      You can learn how to arrange flowers for your home or create the essential bridal flower bouquets and accessories that you will need for your wedding.

      Our one day Introduction to Floristry workshop will give you a taster as to what it's like working as a florist, or if you want to take the plunge join us for our Career Course, an intensive three day workshop where we cover all you need to start your flowery journey.

      Light refreshments and all the flowers and materials you will need are provided in all of our workshops. 

      Workshops list

      This is a list of the workshops that we are planning to run:

      FRESH FLOWERS

      • Hand Tied Bouquet 
      • Low vase floral arrangement (without the terrible flower foam)
      • Introduction to floristry
      • DIY Bride
      • Autumn Wreath 
      • Flower Crown
      • Seasonal Flowers For The Table
      • Christmas Wreath Workshop
      • Afternoon Tea/Prosecco + Hand Tied Bouquet Workshop
      • Christmas Table Arrangement
      • Festive Tablescape 

      DRIED FLOWERS

      • Dried Flowers Wreath
      • Dried Flowers Arrangement
      • Dried Flowers Terrarium
      • Dried Flowers Crown
      • Dried Flowers Hand Tied Bouquet
      • Dried Flowers Terrarium

      PLANT

      • Terrarium
      • Macrame

      Oakham Workshop