Sending flowers to someone who is in hospital for example, has always been a nice gift to give, as they can help cheer you up when you are not feeling at your best.

Due to standards of cleanliness in hospitals being under the microscope over the last few years, gradually flowers have been discouraged or completely banned.

A few years ago I worked as a physiotherapy and occupational therapy assistant within a head injury ward and saw the joy that flowers can bring, even to those who didn’t usually buy them.

It was thought that the soil in the plant pots and water in vases contained high levels of bad bacteria.

I thought it was hugely disappointing when flowers were discouraged. Visitors like to send a gift to their friend or family member, and patients enjoyed the scent and look of the bouquets.

A study was done in 2005 on the emotional benefits of flowers. The findings showed that flowers helped people feel happy. It showed that those who had received flowers felt less depressed and led them to feeling better about themselves.  To read more about this interesting study by Rutgers please see their published findings – Evolutionary Psychology

The care of the patient is vital! If flowers do cause harm, then of course the patients care comes first, but many specialist microbiologists say there is no evidence, for example -  *Hugh Pennington (a microbiologist) said that there was no risk, expressing his concern that he felt it was unnecessary to ban flowers from hospitals.

The *Telegraph 17th December 2009 has written an article about this debate showing that new research reveals that flowers do not cause harm. A survey was carried at two hospitals – the Royal Brompton Hospital and the Chelsea & Westminster Hospital. Their research showed that there was hardly any evidence to support the belief that flowers cause harm to patient care. The Telegraph article goes on to show findings from the Imperial College of London that recorded that having flowers in hospitals actually helped improve the health of the patients. (Please visit the article for further information.)

I find these articles and research very interesting, and it goes to prove the power of the flower! My business aims is to provide cards that help brighten someone’s day. I chose to specialise in personalised flower cards, because I know how much joy you can have from beautiful flowers!

I am not ashamed to say that I need flowers and the beauty of our countryside. Spending quality time in the timeless elegance of an English country garden brings me such peace and pure joy! To be surrounded by snowdrops, bluebells, a field of wildflowers is something I hold very dear! I physically and emotionally relax in God’s wonderful creation.

I think it should be prescribed!

I am passionate about flowers (if you haven’t already noticed), if you are having a tough time, exhausted from work and family life, just take a few moments to notice the beauty of the majestic flower, examine the detail of the petal, stem, leaves, the colour and how it grows. Nature is amazing!

If you have a friend or family member in hospital it’s best to check their policy before sending flowers, to avoid disappointment.

One company that I think does very well for hospital policies is the wonderful Flower card company based in Guernsey. They specialise in a card with real flower mini bouquets added to oasis in the front. Their bouquets are delivered in special boxes complete with a straw to allow for watering as required. Have a look at their collection.

If flowers are not allowed at all or you would like a card to complete a gift, how about choosing a special flower card, where we can personalise it with your message and send directly if required.

Send a card, brighten someone’s day

Information from -

*Statement from expert microbiologist  Hugh Pennington from – ‘Hospital flowers nipped in the bud by NHS hygiene police’ written by Marc Horne 11th January 2009 in News.Scotman.com

* The Telegraph article on - ‘Hospital flowers do not cause harm, report claims’ 17th December 2009