The UK’s first ‘Flower Pharmacy’ has opened in London, ‘prescribing’ bouquets instead of medicine to those in need of a seasonal wellbeing boost
Britain’s first ‘Flower Pharmacy’ opened its doors today, dishing out bright beautiful bouquets rather than pills to people needing a pick-me-up.
The unique pop-up aims to get people thinking about flowers in a new way, highlighting how they can support daily wellbeing instead of just being saved for birthdays, anniversaries and other milestone moments. It’s been set up alongside Plants and Flowers Foundation Holland, and chartered horticulturist, telly gardener and writer David Domoney.
Visitors were paired with a bouquet suited to how they were feeling. Sunny yellow flowers, such as sunflowers, roses, freesias and snapdragons will be handed out to increase joy.
Meanwhile, relaxing bunches will showcase blue and green varieties like hydrangeas, delphiniums and chrysanthemums, with bold orange, red and pink blooms featured in displays meant to energise.
This follows a survey of 2,000 Brits which revealed 37% find it tough when the clocks change, with 29% confessing the conclusion of British Summer Time makes them feel down.
“There’s something incredibly uplifting about flowers, and research has shown that they can have a positive effect on our mood and emotional wellbeing,” said David Domoney.
“We often associate flowers with special occasions, but there’s no reason we shouldn’t enjoy their beauty and the benefits of having them around us in everyday life.
“Sometimes, it’s the simplest connections with nature that can make a real difference to how we feel.”
The research revealed that 31% of people spend more time indoors following the clock change, while 28% struggle with the darker evenings and 22% notice a drop in their energy levels.
In response, 86% of those affected turn to a variety of methods to lift their spirits. Nearly a quarter (23%) seek out nature, while 22% head out for countryside walks and 12% potter about in the garden.
Yet despite the mood-enhancing properties of flowers, only 38% have never thought about purchasing a bunch for themselves. They are most frequently associated with Mother’s Day (20%), Valentine’s Day (18%), weddings (15%) and birthdays (13%).
Half said they feel cheerful after receiving some as a gift, while 45% feel grateful and 34% joyful, and 24% feel comforted.
More than half (53%) said fresh flowers boost their mood more than everyday indulgences such as coffee, something sweet or a takeaway, rising to 70% amongst 25 to 34-year-olds. Yet many still hold back from treating themselves to flowers, with just 9% doing so on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, 21% said they would like to purchase them more frequently, while 16% regard blooms as an occasional luxury.
Instead, the most popular winter pick-me-ups are chocolate (45%), coffee (27%) and a takeaway (26%), with books and new clothing both chosen by 23%.
Amongst those who buy themselves winter treats, 34% do so to brighten up a grey day, while 33% seek comfort and 26% wish to relax and unwind, according to OnePoll.com figures.
Monique Kemperman, horticulture expert for Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland, added: “As the days become shorter and darker, small acts of self-care can make a real difference, and flowers are a simple way to bring colour, joy and positivity into everyday life.
“Our research shows just how much of an emotional impact they can have, yet many people still reserve them for somebody else or a special occasion.
“The Flower Pharmacy is about encouraging people to see flowers as an everyday wellbeing boost rather than a treat saved for occasions.”
You can visit the pharmacy today (October 22) at 15 Bateman Street, London, W1D 4AQ.
TOP 10 THINGS PEOPLE LIKE ABOUT GETTING FLOWERS:
- Brightening the home
- They look beautiful
- Feeling appreciated
- Knowing someone was thinking of them
- Boosting their mood
- The colours
- The scent
- Feeling like a treat
- Smiling long after receiving them
- Helping them relax