Forbidden Flowers? Not These...
plants, flowers, and fruit baskets are not al- lowed in areas where patients receive medi- cal treatments that compromise the immune system, such as Intensive Care, Transplant and Oncology. Caution must also be used in hospital wards where people with autoim- mune deficiencies such as Lupus are being treated. The main concern is that live plants and floral arrangements have the potential of harboring bacteria that could be harmful to patients. People being treated with medi- cations that lower their ability to tolerate allergens could get an infection or suffer an allergic reaction to the scented flowers. Even if a patient is not allergic to flow- ers, there could be someone in the vicinity of the arrangement who is sensitive to the odors. Furthermore, the Intensive Care Unit is a sterile environment, and flowers have pollens, which can travel freely through cir- culating air. Live vegetation can also harbor insects that could spread. Another concern is that flowers often
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arrive in glass vases, which creates an ad- ditional risk due to breakage and possible injury. Live plants and flowers require main- tenance, which often becomes the responsi- bility of the staff. However, one study done by Giskin
Day and Naiome Carter of Imperial College, London proved that flowers “could help improve a patient’s health and recovery.” A 2009 article in “Environment of Care News,” explained how the art in patients’ rooms can improve the quality of health care. Through research, it was found that art has a strong impact, not just on patients but also on caregivers. The hospital restric- tions on live flowers and plants and the art of flower making became the foundation for a unique business that solved a problem by bringing floral art into hospital rooms. Elizabeth Greenberg, a student at Elon
University majoring in entrepreneurship, was devastated when she was told she could not bring flowers to her friend hospitalized
ost hospitals in the United States and Europe ban fresh flowers from all of their Critical Care Units. Live
for cancer surgery. But that incident made her recognize the need for a substitution, something colorful and artistic that would cheer up her friend. She also wanted to communicate messages of encouragement and healing. With these desires in mind, she found the solution in the form of origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. Within one year, Elizabeth and her mother had created a social enterprise called Non-Scents. Non- Scents delivers flowers for any occasion, but they were specifically designed to convey messages of cheer to hospital patients, people with allergies, or individuals who have odor sensitivities. Non-Scents flowers are whimsical, colorful origami flower arrangements, often made from recycled papers. Within each of six flower blossoms, a meaningful, inspi- rational message is rolled up and secured, waiting to be delivered and read without the worry of an allergic reaction. The arrange- ment is a card and a gift, all in one. They’ve been delivered to hospitals, offices, private homes and nursing homes for all types of events.
Non-Scents offers meaningful, pre-writ- ten quotes within each flower, which can be likened to those found in a fortune cookie. People ordering Non-Scents also have the opportunity to customize their own messag- es and say what they really want to say. The
notes can be further customized by ordering them on plantable paper, seed paper made from recycled fibers and embedded with a variety of wildflower seeds. This paper can be planted in a garden and will grow into live flowers. And, even if discarded, the paper is biodegradable and will not be detrimental to a landfill. Non-Scents flowers is a woman-owned business, and each piece is hand made in America. All of the arrangements are created with the assistance of intellectually disabled individuals through The ARC of Farmington Valley in Canton, CT. Additional information can be obtained at their website: http://
www.nonscentsflowers.com.
Expressive Art Groups & Workshops 2013
Express your visual voice & discover creative wellbeing!
“Get Your Toes Wet! Intro To Expressive Art” Saturday, May 18th. 12:30-3:30. $35.
“Art & Healing-Loving What Is Unloved” Women’s Expressive Art Group. 4 -Wednesdays. May 15, 22, 29, June 5. 5:30-8:30. $175.
“Paint Your Vision” 4 - Tuesdays, 5-8pm. June 16, 23, 30 & July 7. $175. To register or for more information contact Elisabeth Moss BFA
12 Old Farms Rd Avon, CT • 860.550.0882 •
www.elisabethmoss.com NaturalNutmeg.com 21
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