Flowers add cheer, flair to holidays

You can make your holiday spirits bloom by decking your home with flowers - especially if you feel a little low in the morning hours.

Participants in a Harvard study confirmed they feel least positive in the early hours but reported being happier and more energetic after looking at flowers first thing in the morning.

"The morning blahs, it turns out, is a real phenomenon," says lead researcher Dr. Nancy Etcoff. "Interestingly, when we placed a small bouquet of flowers into their morning routine, people perked up."

According to Jill Slater, designer for flowerpossibilities. com, adding flowers all around the home this season is simple. She suggests placing flowers in the kitchen and other areas of the home where they can be enjoyed by everyone first thing in the morning and throughout the day.

Gardening

But the flower most common this time of year is the poinsettia, which is recognized as a sign of the holidays. More than 50 million Americans will purchase one of the plants this holiday season.

While 75 percent of consumers are said to prefer the familiar red version, there are currently more than 100 varieties available. White, pink yellow and even variegated poinsettias are gradually gaining popularity.

Named after Joel Poinsett, who introduced this indigenous Mexican plant to the United States during the 1800s while he served as the nation's U.S. ambassador, poinsettias have become America's best-selling potted plant. More than 85 percent of all potted plants sold annually are poinsettias.

Here are some care and handling tips for your own holiday classic from 1-800-FLOWERS.COM.

• When purchasing your plant, select a poinsettia with dark green foliage, strong, stiff stems and completely colored flowers. Make sure your plant has no fallen or yellow leaves and that it is fully balanced and attractive from all sides.

• Poinsettias thrive on bright, sunny, natural daylight. Place your plant in indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day. Keep your room temperature between 68 and 70 degrees. Do not place your plant near drafts, heating vents or appliances.

• Water the plant when the soil surface feels dry to a light touch. It's very important not to allow your plant to sit in standing water.

• It is not necessary to fertilize your poinsettias when they are in bloom. However, after the holidays, a balanced, all-purpose household plant fertilizer will help maintain the rich, green foliage color and promote new growth.

• Do not place your poinsettia outside, as the plant is sensitive to chilling temperatures.

(This column was provided by the North American Precis Syndicate.)