Part 4: The Science Behind Why Flowers Make Us Happy
In Part 1, we explored the physiological and psychological ways flowers boost mood. In Part 2, we looked at how color and palette influence emotions. In Part 3, we focused on the social benefits of sharing flowers. Now, in Part 4, we’ll dive into how flowers can influence memory, focus, and creativity.
This one is particularly interesting to me, because I used to work at a local retirement/nursing home. I offered exercises there, which can help with memory, but it makes me happy that my current work can help memory-care patients as well!
🧠 Flowers and Memory Recall
Several studies suggest that exposure to flowers and plants improves short‑term memory and recall. Research in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that participants who spent time around plants performed better on memory retention tasks.¹ Flowers act as gentle stimuli that keep the brain engaged without overwhelming it.
At the farm: Bring a notebook to jot down reflections while sitting among the blooms. Visitors often share that they remember details of their visit—the colors, scents, and even the sounds of bees—long after leaving.
🎨 Flowers as Creativity Boosters
Flowers don’t just help you remember; they help you create. Studies have shown that nature exposure increases divergent thinking—the ability to generate multiple solutions to a problem.² The patterns, colors, and variety in a flower field provide endless inspiration.
At the farm: Writers, artists, and photographers often use our flower rows as a backdrop for inspiration. A simple bouquet on a desk has been linked to more creative thinking and problem-solving in workplace studies.³
🌼 Reducing Cognitive Fatigue
Attention Restoration Theory (Kaplan, 1995) suggests that natural environments allow the brain’s directed attention to rest, leading to improved focus afterward.⁴ Flowers fall into what psychologists call “soft fascination,” drawing the eye gently and giving the brain time to recover.
At the farm: For students from local high schools, ETSU or Milligan, a quick stop to walk the rows before studying can improve focus and mental clarity. Families also find that kids calm down and concentrate better after outdoor flower picking.
🌿 Why Memory & Flowers Matter
In aging populations, flowers and plants have been shown to reduce agitation and improve recall in dementia care environments.⁵ Beyond clinical settings, this highlights something timeless: flowers help us remember. Whether it’s the bouquet at a wedding, the fragrance of lavender in a childhood garden, or the sight of a sunflower field in late summer—flowers mark and preserve our experiences.
💐 Experience It Yourself
If you’re looking for things to do in Johnson City, TN that support both joy and well‑being, Harvey Family Farm is the perfect setting. Whether you’re a student needing focus, an artist seeking inspiration, or a family creating lasting memories, our fields are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Come see how flowers don’t just brighten your day—they sharpen your mind.
References
Raanaas, R.K. et al. (2011). Benefits of indoor plants on attention capacity in an office setting. Journal of Environmental Psychology. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272494411000145
Atchley, R.A., Strayer, D.L., & Atchley, P. (2012). Creativity in the wild: Improving creative reasoning through immersion in natural settings. PLoS ONE. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0051474
Shibata, S., & Suzuki, N. (2004). Effects of indoor foliage plants on task performance and mood. Journal of Environmental Psychology.
Kaplan, S. (1995). The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework. Journal of Environmental Psychology.
Detweiler, M.B. et al. (2012). What is the evidence to support the use of therapeutic gardens for the elderly?Psychiatry Investigation. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3500338/