Recent studies have shown a strong correlation between growing flowers and happiness and well being.  While the benefits of gardening in general in particular have been widely discussed for many years this is the first time that the link between flowers and happiness has been examined.

Gardening is a relaxing and calming activity. At the same time it is good gentle exercise and takes you out into the fresh air and sunshine. These factors alone create real health and psychological benefits. Sunshine on the skin is a source of vitamin D, and is needed to combat such ailments as Seasonal Affective Disorder. Many studies have also shown the importance of reducing stress to aid with such things as blood pressure.

The new study however makes a perhaps surprising discovery. That discovery is that what gardeners choose to grow can have an impact on the benefit that they feel from their hobby. Gardeners who focus exclusively on vegetables are facing an uphill battle in in raising their levels of well being. In fact they may be a shocking 37% worse off than those who choose to focus their horticultural efforts on flowers.

The reasons behind the disparity of outcomes for the different types of gardener are disputed. One possible explanation is that vegetables are depressing and utilitarian in character. According to this theory more pessimistic and unhappy characters would be drawn to cultivate these more dour and serious crops. On the other hand the colourful and joyful nature of flowers would be likely to attract a more optimistic person who is happier all round.

Other explanations focus on the attributes of flowers themselves. It could be that the vibrant colours and appealing smell have a profound effect on people”s sense of well-being. In favour of this explanation is the very interesting statistic that people who say that they ”regularly” buy flowers in their homes score on average 18% higher on the ”happiness index” used.