Bouquet Arranging at the Sklar Center

In April, we invited patients to dabble in the art of floral arranging with blooms known for their medicinal and therapeutic properties.

Did you know that flower arranging can be an investment in your health? Here’s what research shows:

1. Flowers help reduce stress and anxiety

Simply looking at or arranging flowers can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which supports calm and recovery.

2. Flowers lift your mood

Colors like yellow and red are especially powerful for increasing feelings of cheerfulness and comfort.

3. Flowers sharpen focus and reduce blood pressure

Indoor plants have been shown to improve cognitive function and even lower systolic blood pressure.

4. Flowers support healing

Patients in recovery who were surrounded by flowers reported less anxiety, took fewer pain medications, and healed faster.

5. Flowers improve your environment

Some greenery purifies the air, raises humidity, and helps create a more soothing indoor climate.

Flower Care Tips to Keep Bouquets Fresh

• Trim the stems at an angle under running water each day
• Replace the water every one to two days and clean the vase
• Remove any leaves below the waterline to reduce bacterial growth
• Keep flowers away from heat, sunlight, and fruit (which releases ethylene gas that can cause premature wilting)
• Use flower food if you have it, or make your own with a drop of bleach, a small amount of sugar, and lemon juice in fresh water

Even one small vase of flowers in your home can serve as a daily boost to your emotional and physical health. We hope this inspires you to keep something blooming nearby!