The Power of Giving Flowers
Published in The Edmonton Sun - May 2011
In the words of Anne Frank, “No one has ever become poor by giving.” In fact, many find that giving produces a multitude of rewards. You may not be showered with monetary riches when you give the gift of flowers, but you will certainly reap a large heaping of joy and a bountiful supply of satisfaction.
The Language of Flowers
Flowers speak a language all their own. They are the perfect gift to let someone know you care and are thinking about them. When words just seem difficult to come by, a fragrant bouquet of fresh cut flowers can speak for you. Flowers have the flexibility to be given for almost any occasion. They are variable enough to be given to a co-worker, a boss, a grandmother, or a significant other. Regardless of the reason for the gift, flowers have a way of letting the recipient understand the sentiment behind them. Few gifts are as universally understood or more appreciated as flowers.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy
There is perhaps no greater character building action than the giving of oneself. Contrary to what many tend to 
believe, your quality of life is often determined by what you give instead of what you receive. According to findings of the World Values Survey, givers tend to be happier people. When giving is done without expecting anything in return, a personal sense of fulfillment and overall happiness is achieved. People who give seem to develop an awareness and appreciation for the world and the people around them. They often experience a feeling of prosperity and abundance simply from the act of giving. In contrast, those who believe you have to give up something when you give to another often seem to struggle with frustration, anger, fear, or depression. Giving isn’t simply about giving something away. It’s also about receiving the reward of happiness in return. Flowers can do more than simply lift someone’s spirits. They can give your own happiness level a much needed boost as well.
The Rutgers Study
Studies show that those who receive a bouquet of flowers as a gift perceive the giver as a caring, strong, 
successful, and happy individual. A team from Rutgers University headed by social psychology professor Jeannette Haviland-Jones, recruited 150 women from differing ethnic backgrounds to review the profiles of 12 individuals, half of whom were men. The study recorded their evaluation of each profile, noting the assessment from each. Each profile was rated based on emotional intelligence, aesthetic appreciation, and achievement. Positive and negative emotions were also a factor. The study covered the various types of gifts given by the individuals, including such gifts as luxury items, gourmet food, jewelry, and flowers. The results determined that flowers ranked high on the appreciation level by those who receive them. It was also determined that those who give the gift of flowers are not only perceived as being happy, strong, and courageous individuals, they are also assessed to typically be more emotionally intelligent than those who give more expensive or luxurious gifts. The study determined that floral gift givers are better able to express their feelings and relate to others.
Spontaneous Giving (my favourite type of giving)
Many people most enjoy receiving flowers when they least expect it. The element of surprise makes the gift even more of a success. When you give flowers spontaneously, you receive the satisfaction of knowing that the recipient was pleased and surprised. You are filled with a sense of fulfillment that is taken solely in the joy of making someone else happy. Sometimes a simple “just because” is all that is needed to brighten someone’s day. There is rarely a better way to do this than with a fresh bouquet of beautifully fragrant flowers.
Award winning designer, Heather de Kok, AAF AIFD PFCI has a passion for all things flowers. Come to 3811 – 99 street, 780-988-8588 or go to her website www.heatherdekok.com to learn more.