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Dec 30, 2006

"Connection with gardens, even small ones, even potted plants, can become windows to the inner life. The simple act of stopping and looking at the beauty around us can be prayer." --Patricia R. Barret

Studying The Power of Flowers

Need a new reason to "stop and smell the roses"? A recent study reveals that fresh flowers can be a natural remedy to enhance moods and increase energy. Conducted by Harvard Medical School, the behavioral research study showed that people feel less anxiety and more energy and compassion when fresh-cut flowers are present in the home. Harvard researcher, Nancy L. Etcoff followed 55 women of various ages and backgrounds, surprising them with bouquets of flowers and asking them to keep diaries documenting their daily activities and emotions. “What we found is that living with flowers for a few days affected a wide variety of positive and negative emotions,” says Etcoff, author of “Survival of the Prettiest: The Science of Beauty". Her research explores the effects of beauty in nature on the human psyche.