Green Plants, Healing, and Hospital Recovery Times

Nature’s relaxing effect on the mind has been well-documented, as well as its positive impact on overall feelings of wellbeing. However, the power of plants extends farther than many people realize. Studies show that having green plants in hospital rooms even speeds up recovery time for surgical patients and reduces the need for pharmaceutical painkillers. Outdoor healing gardens at hospitals have also made a comeback in recent years, as more and more research concludes that their benefits extend beyond simple beauty to physical and mental benefits.

Science behind the healing power of plants

Hospital environments can be stressful and unnatural to our body’s natural rhythms. Uninterrupted sleep, lack of privacy, regimented meals, and of course, feeling under the weather take their toll by causing not only physical stress, but anxiety and fear. Green plants have a naturally calming effect. In 2008, researchers at Kansas State University found that surgical patients who had plants in their recovery rooms reported greater satisfaction with their rooms, less painkiller usage, and lower blood pressure and heart rates. The plants had such a positive impact on patient perception that they reported greater happiness with the plants than any other feature in their room, even the television!

Cut flowers versus potted plants

Although cut flowers also enhance the hospital room experience, green and potted plants have the added benefit of providing air purification as well as horticultural therapy, which allows post-surgical patients to help care for plants themselves as they recover. Engagement and responsibility through live plant care takes the patient’s mind off pain or anxiety as well as motivates them to move around their rooms, not due to coercion or pressure, but due to interest and enjoyment.

Benefits of healing gardens

The power of greenery can go far beyond individual patient rooms. Studies show that even patients who have a view of greenery out their windows heal faster. Healing gardens at hospitals help adult and child patients alike find respite from the emotional fatigue, stress, and unnatural stimuli of the hospital environment. Hospital staff also report that gardens give them a restorative break and sense of wellbeing, allowing them to “recharge and refresh” before the see more patients.

The health effects of green plants are not limited to surgical patients, but can also help boost memory and learning, reduce stress, and enhance positive mood and thinking. For more information, see here.

In addition to cut flowers and bouquets, Carousel Flowers in Rochester, Minnesota, offers beautiful and lush green plant arrangements, and also leases large potted plants. Please visit Carousel Flowers’ website for more information, or give us a call at (507) 288-7800!

Rose Colors and Their Meanings

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet," William Shakespeare famously penned in Romeo and Juliet. But a rose of any color contains a deeper message than just a beautiful flower with a prized scent. Rose bouquets can express their sender’s feelings and intentions simply by their color. Next time you send a bouquet to someone you love, this guide can help you add another dimension of beauty and symbolism to your gift.   

Thinking beyond red

While red roses are widely known as a symbol of romantic love and Valentine’s Day, don’t assume all women prefer a bouquet solely made up of red roses. In fact, studies as well as florists typically claim that over half of women prefer pastel or softer-colored roses to the classic deep red. If you truly want to impress your recipient with a unique arrangement, you can go with a mixed bouquet of any of the colors below--or, make a bold statement by just choosing a bouquet of a single color.

• Pink: Pink roses have a classical, sweet look and are associated with grace, elegance, gratitude, and happiness.
• Lavender: Lavender roses are said to convey “enchantment.” Lavender makes a perfect choice to express falling in love with someone at first sight, and a bold, unique statement of devotion.   
• White: White roses were traditionally the bridal rose, and were associated with true love before the red rose became the more popular symbol of romantic love. Today, white roses are still used to convey feelings of innocence, purity, and reverence.
• Yellow: Most people know the yellow rose as a symbol of friendship and platonic love. The color yellow has long been associated with happiness and joy, which also makes yellow roses a popular choice to send someone in need of cheering up or getting well.
• Orange: The vibrant color orange symbolizes energy. In roses, this energy often expresses both desire and enthusiasm for the relationship or recipient.
• Peach: Peach roses have gained in popularity due to their beauty, charm, and elegance. Luckily, their versatility in meaning also makes them a practical choice for expressing thanks, appreciation, sincerity, and friendliness. They are also sometimes said to symbolize modesty.  
• Red: Red roses are, of course, a timeless and classic way to say “I love you,” as well as express deep romance and beauty. A solid bouquet of red roses has long been a popular choice for expressing love, but adding a few red roses to a multi-colored rose bouquet will also send the same message.

Carousel Floral Gifts and Garden has been serving the Rochester, Minnesota  area since 1991. We offer a selection of colorful flowers, including rose bouquets, to suit every occasion. Please visit our website to see our collections, or call us at (507) 288-7800.

Floral Inspiration for New Year’s Resolutions

Have you made up your mind about your New Year’s Resolution? Sometimes inspiration can come from the unlikeliest of places. The holidays bring with them a variety of floral arrangements.  Over the centuries, different plants have become symbolic of particular ideas. How will holiday flora inspire your New Year’s resolution?

Evergreen & Holly: Break the Unhealthy Habit

With their literal “ever green” boughs, evergreens have been a symbol for life, as well as warding off evil. Holly has similar symbolism in Celtic, Roman, and Christian cultures.

• Cut out an unhealthy food or beverage you reach for a little too often
• Quit smoking
• Commit to a routine of exercise to ward off future health hazards

Ivy: Strengthen Friendships

To Celtic cultures, the interwoven twines of ivy symbolized the complex connections of friendships across a lifetime.

• Make a list of friends you care about, but have lost touch with.  Go beyond simply “liking” photos - commit to one phone call or shared cup of coffee every two weeks until you’ve made it through the list!
• Resurrect the art of letter-writing!  Write one letter a month to a long-time friend, affirming their strengths and sharing what you’re grateful for in your friendship.
• For that extra special touch, Carousel Flowers offers a wide variety of bouquets to remind your friends just how special they are to you!

Cranberries: Build Peaceful Communities

This holiday staple is native to the Americas. Many Native American tribes not only ate cranberries, but used them in medicines for a variety of ailments. To the Delaware tribes of modern day New Jersey, the fruit symbolized peace.

• Consider a relationship within your family or local community that is difficult for you. Commit to doing one out-of-the-ordinary kind thing for this person each month.
• Do you know your neighbors? Neighborhoods with strong bonds between residents are often safer.  Host a monthly neighborhood potluck at your home!

Pomegranate: Challenge Your Mind

The pomegranate fruit dates back to the ancient Mediterranean and symbolizes prosperity, learning, and wisdom.

• Make your web browser’s home page a news website. Read a few articles before going elsewhere.
• Set a reading goal, like one book a month or twenty minutes each night.

We never know what the New Year will hold. Carousel Flowers offers bouquets for any occasion that comes your way.  Browse our selection online at  http://www.carouselflowers.com or contact us to learn more!