Our May 2024 theme is Floral Frenzy. Almost everything is going to have a floral theme. Plan to engage with as much nature as possible through gardening, forest bathing, and cooking.
May 2024 Butterfly Pea Color Palette
This month’s color palette is inspired the butterfly pea flowers I am attempting to grow in my garden this year. I first learned about the flower some years back during a trip to Belize where I got to explore the Belize Spice Farm and Botanical Garden in Golden Stream Village. Every since, I’ve been using it to make teas and lemonades.
May Floral Frenzy Goals
This month is all about literally taking a moment to stop and smell the roses ― touch grass, as we like to say. One of the best things about leaving New York City for me was learning that I actually enjoy nature. I thought I was energized by the city lights, the quick pace, and the no-nonsense expectations and responsibilities. And, although I still appreciate no-nonsense expectations and responsibilities, I prefer when the lights aren’t as bright and the pace is moderate. There is something joyful about slowing down time and watching a silky flower petal sway in the wind.
Garden with Flowers
Although I’ve added flowers to my garden beds in the past, I wasn’t as concerned about their functionality until recently. By adding flowers to our gardens, we can:
- Attract Pollinators: Vegetables, fruits, and pretty much everything else require pollination to produce fruits.
- Increase Biodiversity: A healthy, functional, and resilient ecosystem is abundant in biodiversity. Flowers can attract all manner of birds, insects, and wildlife to create a thriving environment.
- Make Our Space Aesthetically Pleasing: Flowers add color, texture, and beauty as visual interest to our gardens. Pay attention to how your mood changes when you are in the presence of flowers.
Forest Bathing and Wildflower Hikes
As its name suggests, Forest Bathing is the practice of bathing oneself in a natural, forest environment with the goal of experiencing and interacting with its sights, aromas, and sounds. One can walk leisurely within the forest; the point is to engage with it using our five senses. Some benefits include:
- Stress Reduction and Improved Mood: Immersing ourselves in forests has a positive effect on our stress levels. The scent of trees and flowers as well as the calming sounds of wildlife can help us relax.
- Improved Immune Function: Spending time in forests may enhance immune function. According to the Forest Service at the Department of Agriculture, trees produce natural oils called phytoncides, which help improve the human immune system by increasing natural killer cell activity,” (Forest Service Department of Agriculture, 2019). “These cells respond rapidly to virus-infected cells and tumor formation. Studies show that increased natural cell activity can last for more than 30 days after a trip to a forest, suggesting that a trip once a month would enable individuals to maintain a higher level of natural killer cell activity,” (Forest Service Department of Agriculture, 2019).
- Reduced Blood Pressure: In addition to those phytoncides aiding the human immune system, they also increase anti-cancer proteins; a reduction in blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormones,” (Forest Service Department of Agriculture, 2019).
- Connection to Nature: We are more connected than ever thanks to technology, however, this connection is synthetic and oftentimes hollow. Our connection to nature is sacred, and forest bathing reminds us that we need trees and flowers to survive and thrive.
May Recipes and DIY Projects
This month, we’re still going to continue decluttering, recycling, upcycling, and using whatever is on hand. This month, however, everything will have a floral twist.
Mother’s Day!
Go all out for mothers and all motherly figures with these beautiful recipes:
References
Forest Service U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2019. Walk in the woods for wellness: Health benefits of forests. USDA. Retrieved from https://www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/out-and-about/walk-woods-wellness-health-benefits-forests