Fresh Cuttings for the week of July 9th
- Diana Pierce
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
A quick-cut edition of:
Lavender in Clinics
Road Trips
and Plant Rap (gotta see!)
Why Are Essential Oils Showing Up in Medical Settings?
Wyndmere Naturals- Photo: Diana Pierce Before a recent MRI, I encountered something unexpected: a calming scent in the midst of a clinical environment.
“Would you like to try aromatherapy?” the technician asked.
I nodded yes—curious. He dabbed lavender oil onto the pillow. The scent rose gently, soft and steady. Then he placed the same cotton ball on my chest, close enough to follow each breath.
As the machine clanged and thudded around me, I found myself breathing deeper, anchored by the lavender. When it ended and I slid out of the tube, the scent greeted me again—like a whisper of flowers saying, “Everything is going to be okay.”
Later, I learned the oils came from a Minnesota-based company now supplying hospitals across the country. It’s part of a growing movement to ease patient anxiety through non-invasive support like aromatherapy.
I visited their New Hope store and picked up a rose-scented lotion. The scent instantly returned me to that surprising moment of calm. Proof that even in high-tech spaces, fragrance helps us feel grounded, present—and human.
Curious to explore or support a Minnesota-based company making a quiet difference?
Q. Have you experienced scent in unexpected places? I've already heard from someone who was offered aromatherapy during her breast cancer treatment appointments. Please share your story. I’d love to know.
Of course, the power of scent isn’t new.
Did You Know?
BA Antiquities Museum Alexandria, Egypt Thousands of years ago, Egyptian, Greek and Roman worshippers perfumed their statues.
As part of a ritual, worshippers adorned sculptures with textiles, jewels—and fragrant essences. Rose oil was a favorite.
Pictured, Queen Berenice, is one sculpture that ancient scholars described as “still wet with perfume.”
Classical art wasn’t just meant to be seen—it was meant to be smelled.
Read more about scent and sculpture here
Q. Curious about the history of scent? Let us know if you’d like more features like this.
Best State for Summer Road Trips? Minnesota Ranks #1!
Photo: Pinterest
Minnesota is more than 10,000 lakes—it’s been designated the best for summer road trips.
With wildflowers, winding drives, scenic parks, quirky festivals, and yes, some of the safest roads in the U.S., this summer, explore the joy of a blooming road trip.
Also, here are some places to check out if you’re headed on a trip.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Events
July 12th - Duluth Rose Fest Leif Erikson Rose Garden, Duluth- Free
July 12th - 13th -Firefly Viewing Nights MN Landscape Arboretum, Chaska$7.50 - $20
July 12th - 13th -North Star Lily Society Bachman's, Minneapolis- Free
July 13th - Yoga in the Gardens MN Landscape Arboretum, Chaska$7.50 - $27
July 17th - Munsinger Clemens Art Fair St. Cloud- Free
______________________________________________________________________________
Just for Fun
And finally, need a quirky summer rap to lift your spirits?
I'm hoping he puts out another plant rap!!
Let me know what you think.
Wishing you great blooms this summer.
Diana Pierce
Diana Pierce Photography
Follow @DianaPiercePhotography for more floral stories each month!
About the Author: Diana Pierce is a floral photographer, writer, and Art in Bloom participant who shares her passion for flowers and creativity through her newsletter, Bloom With Me.