Flowers are the original instant message! Like no other gift, flowers evoke an immediate and positive response. We include flowers in every occasion, holiday, and milestone moment. Flowers just make us feel good, but why? Thanks to Rutgers University we now know that our reaction isn’t just because flowers are pretty. It’s a scientific fact that flowers in our environment have a constructive and powerful impact on our overall health, well-being, and happiness.

The Rutgers study found a virtually unanimous and universal response to flowers. Some highlights of the study included:

1. Flowers send the feelings meter off the charts. Across all groups of participants in the study, receiving flowers incited a genuine smile and responses of happiness, excitement, delight, and gratitude.
2. Flowers continue to work their magic long after they are given. Study participants continued to reap the benefits of their gift of flowers reporting that they were less depressed, anxious and agitated. Not just an initial reaction, flowers made people feel a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction for days after receiving them. Flowers are the gift that keeps on giving!
3. Flowers create intimate connections. Flowers give happiness not only to the lucky recipient but to the giver as well. The Rutgers study found that flowers were far and away the most appreciated gift. No other common gift such as a candle or fruit compared with the level of initial response or the lasting impression left on the receiver. People who give flowers are considered to be thoughtful, caring, and sentimental.

Scientifically proven to promote happiness, health, and a calming effect, flowers really are a must have every single day. Making your beautiful flowers last does require a little TLC. For best results we recommend these cares and handling best practices:

1. Start with a clean bucket, sanitized with a floral cleaner such as FloraLife® Floral Cleaner or D.C.D.® Cleaner.
2. Fill buckets with cool water mixed with flower food according to manufacturer’s recommendation. Do not put flowers directly into metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, good quality water and do not use water that has been treated with a water softener as the salt levels can be damaging to flowers. Use a dosing unit that is properly calibrated, or hand mix the solution according to label instructions.
3. Remove any foliage that would fall below the solution level.
4. If received dry packed, conditioning of stem ends is recommended to prevent blockage and promote uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with FloraLife® Quick Dip.
5. If step 4 was done, no need to re-cut stems again. If not, then re-cut stems approximately 1” using clean and sanitized clippers or knife. No cut necessary if you use FloraLife® Express Flower Food.
6. Place flowers in previously prepared container.
7. Allow minimum 2 hours to hydrate placing buckets in an area with good airflow.
8. Store in a cooler at 34 – 38° F with a relative humidity of 75-85%
9. Avoid getting water on blooms.
10. Check water levels daily, add flower food solution as needed.
11. Avoid displaying nearing extreme heat, cold, draft, or ripening fruit or vegetables.
12. Always remember FIFO (first in first out) when rotating flowers.

To learn more about care and handling from the flower care experts visit us at: www.floralife.com