The key to creativity, happiness and stress free living
I know these are bold claims, but it is true - Flowers have been shown to reduce stress and depression, improve memory and even boost creativity. (Lots of scientific references are here.) Yet, the United States is low on the scale for every day flower purchases. We buy them for special occasions, but many feel like it is a "treat" to buy themselves flowers for no reason at all. When in reality, it is an incredibly simple and affordable way to reduce our daily stress levels and increase our happiness.
I know these are bold claims, but it is true - Flowers have been shown to reduce stress and depression, improve memory and even boost creativity. (Lots of scientific references are here.)
Yet, the United States is low on the scale for every day flower purchases. We buy them for special occasions, but many feel like it is a "treat" to buy themselves flowers for no reason at all.
When in reality, it is an incredibly simple and affordable way to reduce our daily stress levels and increase our happiness.
From the beginning, I have grown flowers in addition to a variety of vegetables. Over the years I have seen them take over my thoughts, crop planning, seed purchases and plans for business growth.
The more stressed I would feel, the more flowers I wanted to grow. I still love to grow vegetables, but there are few (maybe heirloom tomatoes) that can match the feeling of bucket after bucket of freshly harvested flowers.
Right now, there is a lot of extra stress for those of us who value environmental protections, equal rights for all people, and basic human decency. When you feel like everything is turning into a gigantic dumpster fire, just buy a few flowers.
Want to learn how to make your flowers last longer? Download the handy guide below!
Winter Flower Focus: Anemones
It is unfortunate that one of the most popular holidays for buying flowers is in the dead of winter for the majority of the United States. Leaving people "no choice", but to purchase imported flowers to give their loved ones.
It is unfortunate that one of the most popular holidays for buying flowers is in the dead of winter for the majority of the United States. Leaving people "no choice", but to purchase imported flowers to give their loved ones. Hint: you always have a choice.
One flower that is tough as nails and can grow and bloom in the winter months in a large portion of our country is the beautiful Anemone. They come in a variety of colors and while visually very delicate are anything but when it comes to handling winter weather.
We grow them in ground beds in hoop houses at our farm, but many can grow them in the field with row cover. These flowers thrive in the cool temperatures of winter in the southern part of the US. Our biggest concern is how to keep them cool for longer in the spring when things can heat up really fast.
Sourcing local flowers in the winter can be more challenging, but it is well worth the effort to support a more sustainable system of flower production.
Living your values - even on your wedding day
Most of our couples searching for local flowers want their wedding to be an extension of their values. They care about climate change and their carbon footprint. They care about preserving farmland and supporting local farmers so they purchase organic and locally grown food.
Most of our couples searching for local flowers want their wedding to be an extension of their values. They care about climate change and their carbon footprint. They care about preserving farmland and supporting local farmers so they purchase organic and locally grown food.
Weddings can get expensive and spending your money on wedding vendors that support your values is a powerful way to make your wedding even more special. The choices we make in our daily lives don't need to change when it comes to our weddings. There are a growing number of options for folks who want to hire socially conscious, environmentally friendly wedding vendors.
When it comes to your flowers, the most obvious choice is to choose sustainably raised, local flowers. The majority of flowers in this country are grown outside of the United States using conventional growing methods which rely on toxic chemicals and fertilizers. They are then harvested and shipped across the world landing at a wholesaler who then ships them again to a local florist.
Buying locally grown blooms minimizes the carbon footprint of your flowers and ensures that your money stays in your local economy and helps local farmers continue their work being stewards of their farmland.
Other questions to ask your floral designer - Do you use floral foam, do you compost flowers not taken home from the reception? Floral foam is a non-biodegradable substance that is highly toxic. At Color Fields, we never use floral foam. We rely on recyclable and re-usable mechanics to make our arrangements for every event. All flower scraps and arrangements that are picked up from events are taken apart and composted on our farm.
Doing a little research and asking a few extra questions is an easy way to make sure that you are supporting vendors who share your values. To inquire about how we can make your wedding as green as possible just get in touch with us here.