The Power of Plants

(Condensed from Greenhouse Canada)

Among observations, the Rutgers team found that the gift of flowers prompts instant happiness. "all study participants expressed 'true' or 'excited' smiles upon receiving flowers," notes the SAF/Rutgers review, "demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude. This reaction was universal, occurring in all age groups."

The study also found that floral gifts had long term positive effects. Recipients said they felt less depressed, anxious and agitated after receiving flowers. (Editor's note: LAte in the season, many growers feel the same way after shipping them...)

A search of Internet sites found a number of studies pointing to the benefits of flowers in the home or at work

• A Norwegien study by Prof. Tove Fjeld of the Agricultural University in Oslo studied the impact of plants in the workplace. She consistantly found that plants reduce minor ailments often linked to Sick Building Syndrome. Among observations during her two year study, she found a 20% reduction in fatigue, 30 % decline in headaches, and a 30% reduction in sore throats for those working in an office well appointed with plants.
• A study by Prof. Virginai Lohr in the U.S. found theat plants lowered stress levels in her office studies and improved concentration levels.
• A study posted on the Associated Landscape Contractors of America site (www.alca.org) noted that plants in the office increased the relative humididty and actually stabilized those levesl at the recommended range of 30 - 60 %. In the absence of plants, the relative humidity in the offices was slightly below the recommended range for human health and comfort.
• LandCareUSA has found that good landscaping can add as much as 14% resale value to a building and speed the sale of the building by as much as six weeks.