Mind and matter are interconnected, according to personal fulfillment expert and best-selling author Jayme Barrett, as she points to university research studies linking flowers with happiness, creativity, compassion and tranquility. Barrett’s interiors expertise coupled with the floral investigations demonstrate that flowers hold an intrinsic, natural energy that, when used throughout the home, can create positive shifts in emotions, and lead to truly inspired living.

“People and flowers both have a life force that needs oxygen to thrive, and light and water to live. And, when we are surrounded by nature, our emotions are calmed and harmonized,” says Barrett, who has applied the principles of Zen and feng shui to floral design. Her philosophy is that we can cultivate idyllic atmospheres by purposefully integrating flowers throughout our living space.

In fact, research from America’s leading universities has cemented the connection that flowers have both scientific and emotional powers. As early as 2000, Rutgers University found that flowers create instant delight and happiness, and increase enjoyment and life satisfaction. Most recently, a Harvard University study introduced small bouquets of flowers into people’s morning routines and discovered that respondents immediately perked up, much like they would with a morning vitamin.

“We need and deserve simple ways of creating homes where we feel happy and harmonious by disconnecting from the hectic pace of the world outside,” says Barrett. “Flowers are a wonderful way to ease the stress of everyday life and refocus our emotions more constructively.”

So that anyone can introduce a range of positive floral energies in the home, Barrett shares a simple, do-it-yourself guide to creating Vitamin F arrangements. Her seven soul-stimulating energies include gratitude, wellness, inspiration and motivation, love and romance, new beginnings, serenity, and prosperity. Her floral formula factors in color combination, shape and significance, vase style, placement in the home and flower variety.

Since the dawn of time, people have intuitively known the power flowers have on feelings. Only recently our intuition was proven right. Researchers at Harvard, Rutgers and Texas A&M universities have conducted studies proving flowers make people happy, spark creativity and decrease anxiety.

Research conducted by psychologist Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., of Rutgers University proves the presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed. “Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy,” says Dr. Haviland-Jones. “Now, science shows that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well being.” Her research also shows flowers make intimate connections, even inspiring increased social activity among seniors in addition to easing depression.

This is a great opportunity to view  a spectacular array of creative floral design from Florists all over NSW ranging from florists just starting their career to fully experienced Floral Designers, you will see unusual  Flowers and Foliage’s used in very  creative ways.

Be sure and  stop by the Horticulture pavilion when you are visiting the show this year to  see  some of the best exhibits of Flowers,Plants and Decorative Floral Designs, I’m sure you will be amazed.

Besides St. Nicholas (Christmas) and St. Valentine (Valentine’s Day), St. Patrick (Patron of Green Beer) is one of the top three most popular Saints in the world. Party!

He is even credited with driving the serpents from Ireland. OK, there never have been snakes in Ireland according to even the Catholic Church. Even still, St. Patrick is still a pretty cool dude.

The good news is that you don’t have to have a designer to create a “best dressed room” – a place that comes together and creates an ambiance of warmth and style.  You might just need flowers and plants.

Here’s how:

• First, consider your room’s style.  If it’s contemporary, choose complementary flowers with bold colors and simple lines and shapes such as orchids and lilies. For a traditional style room, bring in a full arrangement of “petalled” flowers, such as roses, carnations and greenery.  For a playful, eclectic room, choose gerbera daisies, tulips and belles of Ireland.  Because there are so many flower  varieties to choose from,ask your florist for advice, including what’s fresh and in season.
• Your florist can recommend flowers for any budget, can design in a vase you provide and can deliver same day if you want your blossoms in a pinch.
• Next, search for logical surfaces to showcase the flowers and select the areas that need to be “softened.”  For example, when a wall gets too busy with shelves, pictures or a mix of wood and stone, adding flowers is the perfect solution to give a room a visual break and even calm our senses.  I also consider the size and function of the surfaces for the flowers.  For example, to create a focal point, bring in a larger arrangement.  Choose smaller bouquets for conversation spaces and pleasant bursts of color in a smaller room.