The Mother's Day Mystery Solved: Why Moms Really Love Flowers

Flowers Help Moms De-stress and Offer a Proven Pick-Me-Up for Mother's Day

BOGOTA, Colombia, April 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For over a hundred
years, mothers in the United States have been honored on Mother's Day,
traditionally celebrated with beautiful bouquets of flowers. New research
suggests that the positive power flowers have on feelings may be the real
reason mothers prefer to be given beautiful blooms on their special day.
According to a behavioral research study conducted by Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., of
Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, when fresh-cut
flowers are in the home, people feel more compassionate toward others, have
less worry and anxiety and feel less depressed.

"Without question, mothers appreciate flowers for their natural beauty," said
Augusto Solano, president of Asocolflores, the Colombian Association of Flower
Exporters. "And beyond the emotional excitement of receiving flowers, there
are proven benefits that flowers provide on human behavior. Moms have long
recognized the power of flowers, and now we know why! For over-stressed moms,
it's no wonder they look to flowers for a proven pick-me-up."

Solano suggests treating moms to flowers not only on Mother's Day, but
throughout the year. Flowers are not only great to look at, but have powerful
"attitude-adjusting" qualities that can be enjoyed by busy moms, too.

To help moms get the most enjoyable experience with flowers, experts from
Colombia, Land of Flowers offer no-stress suggestions on how to care for their
Mother's Day bouquets:

-- Temperature - Display the blooms in a cool place, away from direct
sunlight and heat sources.

-- Cleanliness - Vases, floral clippers and knives should always be
clean.

-- Flower Food - Commercial flower food solution is a must. Follow the
mixing instructions on the flower food packets.

-- Remove Leaves - If the leaves on the stems fall below the water line,
remove them. Leaves in water will promote bacterial microbial growth
that may limit water uptake by the flower and affect their longevity.

-- Re-Cut Stems Often - When you receive them, cut the stems by removing
one to two inches with a sharp knife and re-cut every other day.

-- Replace Water - Replenish the water in the vase every other day with
fresh water treated with flower food.

Colombia, Land of Flowers
Just in time for Mother's Day, millions of flowers will be shipped to the U.S.
from Colombia, The Land of Flowers. Two out of every three flowers sold in
the U.S. are grown in Colombia's rich, fertile soil and the country's
beautiful year-round climate. Established in 1973 to represent the interests
of the Colombian flower growers in world markets, the Colombian Association of
Flower Exporters (Asocolflores) represents more than 70 percent of total
Colombian flower exports. For more information: www.asocolflores.org.

SOURCE Asocolflores (Association of Colombian Flower Exporters)

Jairo Cadavid, +1-571-257 9311, ext. 0115, jcadavid@asocolflores.org, or
Natalia Ochoa, comunicaciones@asocolflores.org, +1-571-257 9311, ext. 0160,
both of Asocolflores, Colombian Association of Flower Exporters