It’s a fact: flowers make you happy! According to behavioral research conducted at Rutgers University, flowers bring about positive emotional feelings, make a space more welcoming, and create a sharing atmosphere.
- Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. All study participants expressed “true” or “excited” smiles upon receiving flowers, demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude. This reaction was universal, occurring in all age groups.
- Flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods. Specifically, study participants reported feeling less depressed, anxious and agitated after receiving flowers, and demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction.
- Flowers make intimate connections. The presence of flowers led to increased contact with family and friends.
Where better to improve emotional well being and a sense of calm than in hospice patients? The Woodlands Garden Club Hospice Floral Group was started by Molly Peckels in 2013 in memory of her mother who had enjoyed receiving flowers from her local garden club when she was in hospice care. Molly has since passed away and we continue this wonderful program in her honor.
The Group meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month (September to May) and creates 50 to 70 small floral arrangements for hospice agencies in The Woodlands. Our members bring flowers and greenery from their gardens, we purchase flowers and local stores also donate flowers. No experience is necessary, you’ll learn as you go. We decorate the vases with bows, ribbons, and seasonal decorations.
The vases are delivered to the hospice agencies and the nurses take them to their patients. Empty containers are collected from the hospices, cleaned and reused. We also ask our members to bring small jars to the general meetings and the Floral Group.
We especially encourage new members to join the Floral Group because it is an excellent opportunity for socializing, getting to know one another, and learning about club activities. The meetings are usually at Sharon’s house and there is always delicious food and good conversation.
The Woodlands Garden Club Floral Group is one of our continuing activities to give back to the community. It’s our way of bringing joy and beauty into people’s lives. The floral arrangements are little pieces of nature brought indoors – a gift that brings beauty, peace and tranquility, and an unmistakable feeling of love and caring.
The Woodlands Garden Club 