Flowers come in many shapes, sizes, colours and characters. From the sophisticated serenity of a vanilla-coloured lily to the simple, cheeky charm of a hot-pink gerbera. Or an orchid. Exotic. Aromatic. And intoxicatingly glamorous. Flowers radiate personality and energy, which is why they can affect your mood.

Green fingers optional

Of course, flowers aren’t only for interiors. A flower filled garden is a sight of beauty and studies show that just seeing flowers from your window can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and even ease pain. Research shows that flowers make us feel more optimistic. They can even make us more productive because our attitude is brighter. Flower Power is more than a seventies catch-phrase, it’s a proven scientific phenomenon.

Buying flowers as a gift to say “thank you” or “happy birthday” does come at an expense though. Why not show your more sensitive and personal side and grow your own flowers from scratch. Planting and growing flowers is wonderfully therapeutic, creating a sense of escape and achievement. Don't be put off by the worry that you might not be ‘green-fingered’. There are so many superb products available in garden centres, it’s almost impossible to fail.

It’s time to grow

The latest invention to help bring Flower Power to the masses is Miracle-Gro Liquafeed – a clever attachment to your hosepipe that feeds while you water. It’s guaranteed to make your blooms even bigger and healthier and is ridiculously easy to use. Containing Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food, it automatically mixes the right amount of plant food and water, giving your budding flowers the exact amount of nutrients they need to grow. And because it feeds and waters simultaneously, it’s a time-efficient way to nourish your plants, giving you more time to yourself.

Now is the time to get out in the garden and plant to your heart’s content. Plant plenty so that you can cut throughout summer and have your home, as well as your garden, filled with gloriously uplifting flowers. Remember, if you want big, beautiful blooms – feed while you water with Miracle-Gro Liquafeed. Your plants are guaranteed to grow twice as big.

Best flowers to grow

Lupins – with their captivating colours and scents, Lupins embellish the early-summer border with striking, rocket-like spikes.

Delphiniums – tall and slender, the delphiniums are the supermodels of the flower world and make a bright and cheerful addition to any home or garden.

Sunflowers - Synonymous with late-summer days, sunflowers light up patios and gardens making wonderful, show-stopping cut flowers.

Miracle-Gro Liquafeed is available from all good garden centres. It costs £9.99 for a starter pack which includes a hose-end feeder and a 475ml Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food.