Like Valentine’s Day and red roses, humans and plants are symbiotic. That is, they rely on one other.

Humans breath air that is about 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. When we breathe in, nitrogen builds up proteins in our muscles, skin, blood, hair, and nails and oxygen fuels our cells, enabling us to think, feel, and move. When we breathe out, we release carbon dioxide— exactly what plants need to stay alive. 

Plants greedily take in the carbon dioxide, combine it with water from their roots, then use photosynthesis to convert it into oxygen before releasing it back into the atmosphere for humans to breathe.

This symbiotic relationship between plants that provide us with life-giving oxygen, and humans that provide plants with essential carbon dioxide is a perfect example of different species living together and depending on the other to live and survive.

Landscapes that are lush with lawns, plants, and trees are simply good for us. The rich oxygen that living landscapes give off enhances our mood and makes us happy. 

Footnote: February celebrates love. On Valentine’s Day, long-stemmed red roses will fly off the shelves and into the hearts of lucky recipients everywhere. The tradition of giving flowers on St. Valentine’s Day dates back to late 17^th century Sweden where a popular fad of associating flower types with their meaning. For instance, giving a yellow carnation meant someone disappointed you, a purple hyacinth meant you wanted to be forgiven, and the red rose represented deep love.

So in February, add plants to your landscape, send flowers to your loved ones, and to assure that you choose just the right color of flowers this Valentine’s Day, learn about the meaning of flower colors.