The UK's first Flower Pharmacy has opened its doors in London, prescribing bouquets instead of medicine to those in need of a mood boost. The one-off experience is designed to encourage people to think differently about flowers, showing how they can play a role in everyday wellbeing rather than being reserved for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.
Mood-Tailored Bouquets
Created in partnership with Plants and Flowers Foundation Holland, and chartered horticulturist, TV gardener and author David Domoney, the pharmacy matches guests with flowers tailored to their mood before they leave with a bouquet recommended to lift, calm or energise them.
Yellow flowers, including sunflowers, roses, freesias and snapdragons, are prescribed to boost happiness. Calming bouquets feature blue and green blooms such as hydrangeas, delphiniums and chrysanthemums, with vibrant orange, red and pink flowers used in arrangements designed to energise.
Poll Highlights Seasonal Struggles
The opening comes as a poll of 2,000 adults found 37% struggle when the clocks go back, with 29% admitting the end of British Summer Time leaves them feeling glum. The study found 31% spend more time indoors following the clock change, while 28% find the darker evenings difficult and 22% experience lower energy levels.
In response, 86% of those affected employ a host of methods to boost their mood. Almost a quarter (23%) turn to nature, while 22% go for country walks and 12% spend time gardening.
Despite the mood-lifting qualities of flowers, only 38% have never considered buying themselves a bunch. They are most commonly associated with Mother's Day (20%), Valentine's Day (18%), weddings (15%) and birthdays (13%). Half said they feel happy after being gifted some, while 45% grateful and 34% joyful, and 24% feel comforted.
Flowers vs Everyday Treats
More than half (53%) said fresh flowers make them happier than everyday treats such as coffee, something sweet or a takeaway, rising to 70% among 25 to 34-year-olds. Yet many still stop short of treating themselves to flowers, with just 9% doing so regularly.
Meanwhile, 21% said they would like to buy them more often, while 16% regard blooms as an occasional treat. Instead, the most common winter pick-me-ups are chocolate (45%), coffee (27%) and a takeaway (26%), with books and new clothes both selected by 23%.
Among those who buy themselves winter treats, 34% do so to cheer themselves up on a grey day, while 33% seek comfort and 26% want to relax and unwind, according to OnePoll.com figures.
David Domoney said: "There's something incredibly uplifting about flowers, and research has shown that they can have a positive effect on our mood and emotional wellbeing. 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."
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."
The pharmacy can be visited today (October 22) at 15 Bateman Street, London, W1D 4AQ.
