Shannon O'Connor, Author at 1800Flowers Petal Talk

12 Aromatherapy Plants and Their Benefits

We can do a lot of things to improve our mood and overall well-being, such as exercising and eating right, but one oft-overlooked approach is aromatherapy. According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, aromatherapy is defined as using “naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize, and promote the health of body, mind. and spirit.” This is also referred to as essential oil therapy.

A number of different plants can be used for aromatherapy purposes. Here are 12 of our favorites.

1. Sage

Sage plants can help with many things, including improving alertness, acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, managing asthma, and even helping cope with depression.

2. Ginger

One of the main benefits of ginger when used during aromatherapy is its ability to treat emotions. Ginger is also said to be helpful when it comes to improving communication skills and enhancing memory.

3. Cinnamon

With its sweet yet spicy smell, cinnamon is said to help improve mood, reduce drowsiness, and ease pain. Studies have also shown that being in the presence of cinnamon’s scent can help with concentration and performance.

4. Jasmine

Jasmine flowers typically open up at night, so that is the best time to experience their therapeutic effects. Those include improving alertness and one’s mood, as well as helping purify the air.

5. Lemon

If you’re feeling stressed, you might want to turn to lemon plants during an aromatherapy session. These are said to be able to transport you to a happier, more positive place, and, as an added bonus, you might even find that cognitive functioning is improved too.

6. Lavender

Lavender has proven to be helpful for sleep and anxiety. A lavender plant’s fragrance is said to have a very calming effect, so if you’re having trouble getting some shut eye, you may want to consider having lavender plants in the bedroom.

7. Coriander

In addition to the physical benefits of rejuvenating our skin, soothing muscle and joint paint, and helping with an upset stomach, coriander offers the emotional benefit of enabling us to “let go” and find peace.

8. Basil

Like lemon, basil is also said to contain compounds that can reduce stress, which could also help with blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, when used for aromatherapy, basil can improve mood, relieve pain from muscle aches, help with depression and anxiety, and increase alertness.

9. Fennel

The sweet aroma produced by fennel essential oils has a smell similar to that of licorice. Some of the benefits of fennel oil are the ability to cope with anxiety, improved focus and concentration, and relief from respiratory issues.

10. Clove

Clove produces a powerful scent that is sweet yet spicy, and hot. Along with being able to help with toothaches, respiratory issues (including the common cold), and the flu, clove is also effective in relieving nausea or a headache, or providing an energy boost.

11. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus can help not only your home and garden, as its scent is great for repelling insects, but you as well: It is a natural congestion reliever.

12. Calendula

Calendula has a host of medicinal uses, including treating mosquito and insect bites (it’s super soothing!), and helping with muscle spasms, fevers, and other symptoms, including sore throats. It also has been shown to be effective in treating wounds and reducing swelling.

No matter what you’re dealing with — whether it’s stress, anxiety, an illness, or if you just need a bit of a pick-me-up — aromatherapy plants can be your saving grace.

8 Herbs You Should Grow In Your Indoor Herb Garden

Mixing up a fresh dish packed with herbs for dinner? Skip the trip to the grocery store and grow herbs in your own indoor herb garden, instead! Here are 8 herbs you can grow right from your kitchen!

Grow these Herbs in Your Herb Garden

Lemongrass

Did you know that Lemongrass doesn’t even need dirt to grow? Simply buy a stalk with extra stem and place in water. Lemongrass can be used in cooking and for medicinal purposes.

Basil

With its distinct scent and flavor, basil is the perfect addition when you want to add a bit of extra flavor to any dish. The best part? The basil plant is extremely easy to grow, just make sure to give it plenty of sunlight (at least six hours a day).

Cilantro

In addition to its distinct flavor, cilantro boasts a plethora of nutrients and anti-oxidants when consumed. While the cilantro plant does grow quickly, it does not regrow once harvested, so it is best to have several plants in different stages of life in your indoor herb garden.

Parsley

This fresh-scented herb is chockfull of nutrients such as vitamins A, C and K. While the parsley plant is very easy to grow, it grows at a slower rate than other herbs.

Thyme

A delicious herb used in a variety of cuisines, the thyme plant requires a lot of sunlight – at least 6-8 hours. When in bloom, the plant is covered in small pink or purple flowers which are sure to add some dazzling color to your herb garden.

Mint

There’s nothing quite like the scent of fresh mint. Put mint in your teas, salads or garnish for a fresh aroma and burst of flavor. The mint plant grows like a weed and can be overpowering in an herb garden, so consider putting it in its own pot.

Oregano

Add a sprinkle of oregano to any dish to take it above and beyond! The oregano plant requires massive amounts of sunlight, so place in a well-lit window.

Looking for more scented herb fun? Check out our post on using herbs to turn a bouquet into a fresh scented arrangement!

11 Easy Ways to Make Someone Smile

Ever take the time to plan or do something nice for somebody just because? Didn’t you feel GREAT afterwards? Well, what if we told you that you could lift someone’s spirits again almost instantly and not have to do too much work to get there? The next time you see someone who could use a pick-me-up, or if you’re just feeling generous, here are 11 easy ways to spread a smile:

Continue reading 11 Easy Ways to Make Someone Smile

5 Health Benefits of Gardening

There are a number of reasons why people may love to garden. For example, it’s relaxing, it makes your home look nice, and it gives you a chance to get outdoors and enjoy the nice weather. But aside from its recreational benefits, did you know that gardening also offers a ton of health benefits, too? It’s true: Spending time in your garden can result in you feeling better both physically and mentally — here’s how.

health benefits of gardening with mother and daughter gardening

1. Gardening can help reduce stress

Studies have shown that gardening can result in decreased cortisol levels. Cortisol is what many refer to as the stress hormone, so when your body experiences a decrease in it, that could translate to a reduction of stress.

2. Gardening can promote good heart health

If you’ve spent time gardening, then you know it can give you a good workout. Between preparing your tools and materials, cleaning up once you’re done, and actually planting, your body will be moving quite a bit, and we all know that regular exercise is important to keep our hearts healthy. Even if you garden for only about 15 minutes a day, what matters is that you are up and moving.

3. Gardening can keep you strong

Gardeners work with their hands and arms a ton, so the act of gardening can help strengthen those muscle groups in particular. In fact, gardening is sometimes used in rehabilitation programs since it can be so useful in regaining strength and movement in certain parts of the body. Since you don’t want to overwork anything, though, it’s important to make sure that your body is always positioned comfortably and that you adjust movements every so often so that you don’t strain yourself.

4. Gardening can help prevent illness

Spending time in the sun gives your body a chance to soak up vitamin D, and we’re sure you’ve heard that vitamin D is important for your immune system. In addition to the sun, the soil you’re working with may also help your immune system: Mycobacterium vaccae, which is considered to be friendly soil bacteria, has shown that it can help alleviate what one might experience with allergies, for example.

5. Gardening can boost self-esteem

Nothing feels quite as good as seeing the seed you planted grow into something beautiful. Watching your garden come to life and seeing your accomplishments right before your very eyes can work wonders when it comes to developing positive feelings toward yourself.

Now, this isn’t to say that you should cancel your gym membership and stop worrying about eating a healthy and balanced diet. But if you are looking for additional ways to keep your mind and body in check, gardening is a great place to start.

20 Interesting Facts About Cats

You certainly don’t need to be a cat owner to know how much joy a furry friend can bring to one’s life (though it helps!). But, regardless of if you have a cat or not, there is so much more to learn about these adorable little guys that many of us call family. Here are 20 of our favorite fun facts about felines:

It is estimated that 30-37% of all households in the United States have a cat.
On average, a fertile cat will produce one to two litters of kittens per year, with each litter containing four to six kittens.
Cats are intelligent enough to sense what a human is feeling and understand their overall mood.
Cats are likely to get along well with dogs if they are first introduced while the cat is less than six months old and the dog is less than one year old.
A cat’s teeth are actually sharper when they are a kitten.
On average, cats will sleep for about 15 hours per day, though some can sleep for as long as 20 hours in a single 24 hour period.
One way that cats show that they are happy or in a good mood is by closing their eyes.
The glands on a cat’s face, tail and paws release a scent that they use to mark their territory, which is why they may rub up against their humans.
Cats have the ability to make more than 100 different sounds, though dogs can only produce about 10.
Having a cat can reduce the risk of heart attack and strokes in its owner(s) by about ⅓.
Adult cats only meow when they want to communicate with humans.
Cats rely on their whiskers to determine how large an opening is and whether or not they can fit.
A cat’s brain is extremely similar to a human’s – 90% similar, in fact!
Cats’ noses have a unique pattern, which can be thought of as how each human has their own fingerprint.
Since their fur does not insulate well when wet, cats typically hate water.
Cats can jump up to six times their length.
The Egyptian Mau is known to be the oldest cat breed, and in fact, “Mau” is the Egyptian word for cat.
Cats are only able to sweat through their paws.
Female cats are generally considered to be “right-pawed,” while male cats are said to be “left-pawed.”
The scientific name for hairball is “bezoar.”

little kitten wearing bow tie in the dandelion flowers

Who knew cats could be so complex? Did you learn something new today? We bet you did! If you have friends or family that love cats too, be sure to wow them with some of these facts the next time you talk!

Top 5 Flowers That Grow Best In Shade

When planning your garden or figuring out where you’ll place your potted plants and flowers, chances are you look for somewhere sunny. After all, plants and flowers need light to survive, right? While yes, the sun is probably a factor that you’ve associated with healthy plants and flowers since you first learned about science and nature, keep in mind that there are also some species that can do well in shade – in fact, some even prefer it!

If your home is surrounded by mostly shady conditions, consider including these flowers in your garden for the best results:

Hydrangeas. Available in a ton of different colors and sizes, hydrangeas give you a wide variety of options when it comes to designing your garden. Although they can be grown successfully in environments that receive full sun, they really do thrive in shade – especially when they are exposed to afternoon shade in particular. One of the reasons for this is that they don’t particularly like when it gets too hot, and the shade can help keep things cool!
Bleeding hearts. Bleeding hearts are extremely unique, so if you’re hoping to have a garden that looks like no other on your block, you’ll want to plant some of these! Producing flowers that look like hearts with what some say is a “drop of blood” at the very bottom, bleeding hearts prefer an environment that receives either full shade or partial shade, especially in the south where temperatures are warmer.
Begonias. A benefit of planting begonias is that they are relatively easy to care for once you have some practice and know what to do. Aside from following the right watering schedule, annual begonias will need a spot that receives afternoon shade, as full sun can cause unnecessary stress on the plant in the summer. As the season continues and your flowers start to grow, you’ll always want to deadhead blooms that have served their purpose and make sure that the soil is kept moist.
Jacob’s ladder. Jacob’s ladder plants can tolerate sun, but as they are a woodland perennial, they’d much prefer to be planted somewhere that is either fully shaded or partially shaded. Aside from the beautiful blooms that Jacob’s ladder plants produce, the foliage is also something to note and is what makes them so appealing for gardeners. Not to mention, maintenance really only includes some occasional trimming, so there’s no need to worry if you don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to your garden.
Impatiens. Impatiens are a beautiful addition to any garden, and being that they are available in a variety of colors, you can do pretty much anything with them to brighten things up! They are relatively easy to grow, but something important to keep in mind is that they will start to wilt rather quickly if they aren’t provided with the right amount of water – at least two inches of water per week is recommended for those impatiens that are planted in the ground.

Do you have a shady front or back yard at home? If you’ve been putting off planting for fear that your flowers wouldn’t survive, we hope you have a new perspective on things now! So long as you choose the right flower type, you too can have a garden that’s just as bright as those that are given full sun.

How Are Colored Orchids Made?

Among other things, flowers are known for their natural beauty and the amazing variations of colors that we find them in. But despite their current aesthetic appeal, sometimes we’re left wanting more – more flowers in more different colors!

If you’ve ever seen your favorite flower in a color that’s different from how they normally look in full bloom, you may be familiar with the phenomenon that is “painted flowers.” Today, we’re specifically taking a look at colored orchids (one of our favorites!) and answering one of the biggest questions we’re sure you have – how are they made?

How Colored Orchids Are Made

While you may think that colored orchids are made simply by spray painting the stems and the flowers, the process is actually a bit more complex than that. In fact, there are a few different ways that you can make colored orchids, but for this example we’re going to focus on watercolor orchids. The following are the primary steps that are taken to create these beautiful blooms:

First, a small hole is made in the stem of the plant that is going to be dyed.
Next, colored dye is injected into the hole that was created in step number one.
Once the dye has made its way into the stem, the hole is sealed by covering it with wax.

After these three steps have been taken, the orchid’s blooms will usually start to change color about 24 hours later. Wondering what happens to the plant’s natural color? Well, after the dye is initially injected, the plant’s natural process of transporting water to the stem and blooms takes place, and at that point the dye is carried and distributed throughout as well.

Now we know what you might be thinking – can I make one myself? Truth is, the process of creating watercolor orchids really requires a professional, as the dye can be harmful if not injected correctly. Not to mention, plants that undergo this process require a little extra TLC and attention.

How To Care For A Colored Orchid

If you ever get the chance to have a colored orchid of your own, the procedure you should follow for its care is pretty similar to what you do for a non-dyed orchid. Most importantly, make sure that your orchid is getting enough water – about five ice cubes once a week should do it. To tell if your orchid is receiving the amount of water it needs, start by looking at the roots – roots that are green and shiny are usually a good indication that the plant is in good shape. And remember, always keep the hole where the dye was originally injected covered with the wax!

Top 10 Botanical Gardens In The U.S.

When you’re looking for something to do on the weekend or a day off, we’re sure you could think of several different local attractions in your area. However, have you ever thought about visiting a botanical garden? From the east coast to the west coast, there are tons of amazing botanical gardens that welcome visitors to enjoy the beauty that’s within. Below, we’ve listed out the top 10 botanical gardens in the country that we feel you must check out:

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Since the 1970s when the idea for a botanical garden was first proposed for the city of Atlanta, visitors have enjoyed some of the most beautiful plant displays in the various gardens that were built in the Atlanta Botanical Garden. From their orchid display house to their tropical rotunda, you too can learn about many a plant amazing flower species and see one of the most beautiful collections of blooms that the city has to offer.

Chicago Botanic Garden

Considered to be one of the world’s greatest science centers and living museums, the Chicago Botanic Garden is made up of 26 gardens and four natural areas. It is one of just a few public gardens that are accredited by the American Association of Museums, and is currently home to nine laboratories where students and scientists come to carry out their plant research. In addition to viewing the gardens themselves, those who visit here also have the chance to walk through various exhibitions that include photography and other forms of artwork.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

First open to the public in 1984, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is situated on 66 acres of land in North Texas. With 19 gardens and several other areas for visitors to explore, the garden is the perfect place for both children and adults to spend the day – did you know it includes an 8-acre Children’s Adventure Garden? The displays rotate four times a year, so regardless of when you visit, you’re bound to see something beautiful!

Desert Botanical Garden

Located in Phoenix, Arizona, the Desert Botanical Garden offers trailside exhibits, temporary art exhibits and various other seasonal experiences that allow visitors to learn more about the desert and desert plants. The garden has been a place where people can experience the beauty of the desert for more than 70 years, and like the Chicago Botanic Garden, it is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (American Association of Museums).

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Like the name suggests, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is home to tons of tropical plant species. Located in Coral Gables, Florida, visitors can participate in self-guided tours, guided walking tours, and even tram tours to experience the beauty that is found in the tropics. There are also a number of family friendly events and activities offered that are designed to help visitors learn all that they can during their stay!

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Voted one of the “best botanical gardens in the nation,” one of the “top botanical gardens in the U.S worth traveling for,” and one of “America’s 10 best public gardens,” the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden brings more beauty than you can imagine to Richmond, Virginia. With more than 50 acres worth of gardens, dining AND shopping, there is something for visitors of all ages to enjoy here.

Missouri Botanical Garden

Open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily, the Missouri Botanical Garden is something that all St. Louis residents and visitors should experience at least once. It is the nation’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation (founded in 1859) and is considered to be a National Historic Landmark. Visitors who come here will have the chance to stroll through 79 acres of beautiful displays, see an amazing collection of rare and endangered orchids, and even check out Henry Shaw’s original estate home.

New York Botanical Garden

Also a National Historic Landmark, the New York Botanical Garden offers 250 acres of amazing landscapes that are home to more than one million living plants. The garden is said to have one of the world’s largest plant conservation and research programs, and it has become an extremely popular place for New York families, students and teachers to come to learn about ecology, plant science and more.

San Francisco Botanical Garden

Situated in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco’s Botanical Garden is home to more than 8,000 different types of plants. Since the climate of the area that this garden is in is so unique compared to others, plants from all over the world are able to thrive here – even some plants that are no longer existing in their natural habitats.

United States Botanic Garden

The United States Botanic Garden is Washington DC’s very own living plant museum! It was first established in 1820 by Congress and is one of the oldest botanic gardens that can be found in North America. Here, visitors have the chance to see beautiful displays of roses, orchids, endangered plants, and so much more!

Gardening Tips For Beginners

We’re all born with special skills and talents – some of us can sing, some of us can dance, some of us can draw – but that certainly doesn’t mean that we can’t learn to be good at something else as we go throughout life.

Take gardening, for example. Some of us naturally have a green thumb and are able to grow and maintain everything from flowers, to exotic plants, to fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, some of us have trouble getting just one seed to sprout!

If you’d like to take on the challenge of growing a garden but don’t have too much experience, we’re here to help – check out our top gardening tips for beginners below!

Protect your car. Transporting flowers and plants from your nursery to your home can get quite messy, especially if you hit a bump in the road. To prevent all that soil from staining your trunk or your car seats, put down a tarp and then lay a small ladder on top of it – the space in between each step can help keep your plants in place!
Start off small. The best way to practice is by starting off small – that means, don’t overdo it on your trip to the nursery! Instead, pick out just one or two potted plants and maybe one or two bulbs so that you don’t overwhelm yourself by having to take care for too much.
Find the right spot. One of the most important things you have to do before starting a garden is find the right spot for it. For most blooms, that means choosing a place in your yard that receives full sun. However, if your yard is mostly shady, that’s fine too – just do some research to figure out which plants and flowers tolerate shady conditions best!
Do your research. Speaking of research, don’t jump into anything unless you’ve asked questions and gotten answers. For example, which plants and flowers thrive best in your climate? When should bulbs be planted in order to get the best results? What type of maintenance is required? We’re sure you can find the answers you’re looking for by doing a quick online search (our blog has tons of Care and Maintenance Tips!), or head on down to your nursery to ask an expert.
Look into garden protectors. The last thing you want is for all your hard work to be eaten up by animals, so look into some netting or fencing that can be installed around your garden. After all, the harder it is for critters to access your plants, the less likely it’ll be that they’ll damage them!
Invest in some mulch. Mulch isn’t just there to make your yard look pretty (though it certainly does!), it’s also a tool used to keep weeds from popping up in a garden. Not to mention, it also helps retain water, which your plants need to survive. That said, you’ll want to purchase a few bags that you can cover your soil with once you’ve finished planting.
Don’t over-water. Yes, your garden will need to be watered regularly, but that doesn’t mean you need to have the hose or sprinkler going every second of every day. Depending on the type of plants and flowers you choose, you may need to water once a day, once every few days, or just once a week – just make sure you follow whatever the care instructions say exactly!

So, are you ready to start a garden of your own? Even if things don’t go the way you planned on your first try (though by following these tips we think they will), don’t give up – practice makes perfect!