Research by the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School has discovered that people feel more compassionate toward others, have less worry and anxiety, and feel less depressed when they have fresh flowers in their homes.
That can be even more crucial for the half of families in Britain, according to travel web site Expedia, that will not manage to get away on a summer holiday this year.
The Flowers & Plants Association (F&PA) is coming to the rescue for homebound Brits with advice on the right flowers for summer 2010 that will make avoiding the crowded beaches of Europe seem like an excellent idea.
Choosing flowers and styles in soothing tones and holiday hues will help people welcome in a stress-free summer, says F&PA. Kids can be kept busy and quiet with floral projects, the association recommends.
Three summer themes are recommended:
For family fun and home camping, go for blues and whites with shots of bright orange and pink. Chrysanthemums, ox-eye daisies, delphiniums, roses, cornflower, and sweet peas should do the trick.
Flowers for fun with friends, alfresco dining, lazy days and sun worshipping should be bright red, yellow, orange, muted pink and sand. Gerberas, roses, rudbeckias, veronica, nigella (love in a mist), and cornflowers are suggested.
Flowers for country kitsch, a taste of tropical, and a twist on traditional include peonies, hydrangeas, ginger flowers, anthuriums, dahlias and alliums in maroon, all shades of pink, jade green and garnet.
