The Happiness Effect of Flowers...
Why is it that flowers make us so happy?
Is it the colour, the texture, the scent or the shape?
Are we born attracted to flowers or do we learn to enjoy them?
Roses are classics. Carefully entwined petals gradually open to reveal their true beauty and release their scent. The most classic gift for a special occasion, and gardeners spend years trying to improve on their apparent perfection, and naming each new variation of the theme. I would guess there are more different types of roses then of any other flower!
They are most often used as symbols of love: for Valentine's day or maybe a wedding or anniversary. A bouquet of expensive roses may be an indication that no price is too much to pay for a display of affection. A single red rose can be the most poignant of gifts.
Roses are not only for bouquets though,and sometimes it's better to leave them just where they are growing..in the garden. There you'll obviously have a much longer time to enjoy them :-)
Very often flowers are related to times of the year. For example the very early signs of spring when the cherry trees show their blossom. It always makes me happy to see those first blossoms opening and the burst of pink colour around all the trees down either side of our Avenue. Everything feels fresh and new. The white cherry blossoms seem to appear a little later and although the flowering period is short there can be so many flowers that it's like a burst of joyfulness.
The tulip is another seasonal type of flower, reminding us of seemingly endless fields of these huge perfect flowers. Thinking of windmills and happy Dutch girls now ? This photograph was taken after a short rain-shower with droplets of water still glistening on the petals.
Even so called weeds can be incredibly beautiful. Think of the dandelion and it's clock,how perfect is it, with every seed carefully arranged about the centre. We associate this with the happiness of our childhood when we would huff and puff and blow these little parachutes out into the wind...
Did you know that rhododendrons are actually considered to be weeds too? I still love them, but they can be very invasive if not controlled. They are gorgeous though and rival roses with their colours.
What are the flowers that make you most happy?
Maybe the smiling face of the daisy?
Possibly the yellow glow of the field buttercup?
Perhaps an exotic orchid?
Or could it be something completely different....?
