The Mood-Boosting Benefits of Flowers—And Where to Experience Them

Spring has officially sprung and with it comes the arrival of sunshine, warmer temps and most importantly, blossoms! It’s also a time to reflect, reset and work on being your best self. And we found just the place to hone your newfound Zen—a garden.

Science shows that spending time outdoors, particularly amongst nature’s most beautiful blooms can significantly improve positive energy, reduce stress, and boost productivity. What in carnation makes flowers so good at making us feel better? Read on to uncover their mood-boosting benefits and where to find the finest spring flowers:

Get a quick hit of happiness

At Longwood Gardens you can stroll through more than 125,000 flowering bulbs in the Flower Garden Walk—one of the 20 outdoor gardens to explore.

Feel an unwanted onset of the winter blues creeping in? Nip it in the bud with a stroll through the flowers. Experiencing pleasing colors and scents (even a small bouquet can help!) can create positive mental health effects. Everything from increased enjoyment of the world, to deeper social connections, and increased life satisfaction can come from some time spent with flowers.

Enhance creativity

Longwood’s beautiful crocuses are the source of inspiration you’ve been searching for.

Flowery descriptions of well…flowers have been making their way into mainstream music, literature and art for centuries and it’s no wonder why—florals are a steady source of creative inspiration. Studies have shown this to be true: even when compared to inspiring environments like a gallery, being among flowers substantially boosts the quality and quantity of ideas more than any other tested option. Whether you’re an ad exec working on your next big pitch or a passionate writer stuck in a rut, you might find your next big idea staring into the depths of a bud.

Boost your memory

Longwoood’s aptly named Love Temple is the perfect place to pop the question or make memories with your nearest and dearest.

Studies have found that natural environments can improve memory and attention by as much as 20 percent. Which means if you’re looking for the perfect spot for a treasured memory, like, say, a big question involving a ring, a flower garden should be on your short list.

Heal yourself

Longwood’s Meadow Garden offers three miles of trails to explore.

Research proves that the hippies had it right—there really is flower power. One study, revealed that when patients recovering from surgery were exposed to flowers, they experienced a whole host of improvements in their condition, from less pain and fatigue to lower blood pressure. It’s no replacement for a trip to the doctor, but if you’re feeling a case of the sniffles coming on, you might feel a bit better by smelling, or at least seeing, a few flowers.

Eliminate stress

A walk through Peirce’s Park at Longwood Gardens, one of the nation’s first collections of trees, is the ultimate way to de-stress.

We’ve all heard the saying, “stop and smell the roses.” While it might seem cliché, the advice is actually worth taking, particularly when life feels frenzied. That’s because exposure to flowers can relax you, make you feel more comfortable and natural, and even lower your heart rate. Given the long-term negative effects that stress can have on the body, from an increased rate of heart attacks to accelerated aging, that time-worn saying might be a bit more meaningful than you think.

Experience a floral oasis

You’ll be wowed by the vibrant wisteria weaving through Longwood’s historic architecture.

Ready to cultivate a better version of yourself this spring? Longwood Gardens can serve as a steady source of wellbeing. Stop by to experience the arrival of early bulbs like glory-of-the-snow, winter-aconite, and crocus. Later in the season, a breathtaking array of tulips, wisteria and flowering trees, like cherry blossoms, will add to the already serene and stunning 1,100 acres.

Experience a sneak peek of spring at Longwood Gardens.