Amazing Benefits of Houseplants

House Plants….here at Bank of Flowers we love them. Why do we love them you ask??? Well, not only are they a longer lasting gift option than a fresh arrangement, they also beautify the home.  But most importantly, they provide many benefits to our health and wellness.  

What are the Health and Wellness Benefit of Plants?  Research has shown that plants remove toxins from the air.  NASA (yes NASA!) has come up with a list of plants that are best at removing toxic substances such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from our environment.  The 3 top air cleaners you ask??? They are the florist chrysanthemum, the peace lily, and the red-edge dracena, all available at Bank of Flowers!

Another benefit to having house plants is that they provide us with an oxygen rich environment. Through photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen.  A few of these plants not only do this during the day but also in the evening.  The bromeliad, the succulent, and my personal favorite, the orchid plant are wonderful for increasing oxygen in the house during day and evening hours.

Plants increase humidity in the air by releasing moisture vapor.  As a result, having indoor plants actually helps prevent certain illnesses.  Increased humidity levels in the air helps to lower health problems like dry cough, colds, sore throats, and dry skin.  They are the perfect cure for our long Wisconsin winters (Buurrr!!!!)

How many plants do I need?  How do you create this refreshing, calming, purifying, humidity enriched-environment at home? The recommendation is slightly different based on your goal.  If your goal is to improve your health and decrease stress then one 8” diameter pot every 130 square feet is recommended.  If your goal is to purify the air around your home then it is recommended that there be a larger plant ( 6-8” pot size) or 2 smaller (4-5" pots) every 100 square feet.

What if you don’t have a "Green Thumb"?  It's OK, not all of us at Bank of Flowers have green thumbs either.  Most of us figure out what plants work best in our homes simply through trial and error.  The point is to just try one and see.  We can help you to find a plant that fits the space in your home, your level of sun exposure, and what level of care you can provide; or if there is a particular plant you’re looking for we can help with that too.  Just because you don’t see it in the shop doesn’t mean we can’t get it for you.  Please ask as we are here to help!!

Here are some of the plants that we care for and love in our own homes!!

Green & White: The Wedding Trend at Pewaukee

Every year the trend changes for wedding flowers. This year was the year of the radiant orchid. Before that it was yellow and grey, and along the way mint also topped the popularity charts.  Not at the Pewaukee Bank of Memories.  This summer, four brides chose to combine white and green  flowers for the bouquets on their wedding day.

The first of the four couples, Stephanie and Jeremy, chose to have an intimate wedding that was rustic, earthy and simple and also included "good food" (Jeremy picked The Butler Inn, Pewaukee).  Stephanie chose to use green hydrangeas and white mini calla lilies for her bouquet, as well as her bridesmaids'.  She brought her own ribbon to us: a beautiful white and champagne brocade.  The gentlemen of the wedding party each sported a single calla lily and the ladies wore wrist corsages to match. 

The second couple was Richanda and Kris who desired an understated classic and vintage feel for their wedding at the Country Springs Hotel in Pewaukee.  The bridesmaids wore a light aqua dress and Richanda chose white and green flowers for her bouquets. White hydrangeas, white roses, and babies breath were used in the bridesmaids' bouquets and then green succulents were added to the brides bouquet -- magnificent!  The gentlemen each wore succulents as a bouttoniere and the ladies wore wrist corsages of babies breath and white roses.

The third couple, Maria and James, also held their wedding at the Country Springs Gazebo and the Meadowbrook room.  The white hydrangeas, white freesia, green gladiola blooms and green hypericum berries popped against the bridesmaids' aubergine dresses.  Maria added white peonies to her bouquet.  The color scheme carried through to the white freesia boutonnieres and wrist corsages with white spray roses, freesia and green hypericum berries.

And last but not least, Susan and Seth went for a rustic look with babies breath and burlap.  Their ceremony was held at St. Jacobi Congregational Church, a beautiful church built in Richfield in the 1800's.  Susan carried a full bouquet of white hydrangeas collared by babies breath and greens, while her granddaughter, her only attendant, carried a matching but smaller bouquet. Both bouquets were wrapped in burlap and twine. The men in the bridal party each wore a white rose, accompanied by some babies breath and wrapped in twine. The Susan's daughter wore a wrist corsage to match which also had a twine bow. Susan made her own pew cones out of burlap which then held masses of white babies breath.

Each of these weddings made use of the wonderful white and green color combination, yet each contained a different bridesmaid dress color and variation of flower types used in the bouquets, boutineers and corsages. And each was absolutely beautiful in its own unique way!

We loved working with each of these four couples and we thank them for trusting Bank of Memories in Pewaukee to provide the flowers for such a momentous occasion. Congratulations to all of you -- we wish each of you a long and happy wedded life!

Luan, Pewaukee Shop Manager