Flowers have been with humanity across hundreds of thousands of years of co-evolution, their delicate petals unfolding alongside our own histories. Flowers are our loving companions in joy and sorrow, present in our most intimate moments of love, celebration, grief, and remembrance. They spill from the hands of brides on their wedding day and rest gently upon the graves of those we have lost. Painted into our art, adorning our lawns and cities, pressed between the pages of our books, alchemized into tinctures and perfumes, flowers are beloved by humanity.

The Flower Power Movement, born in the 1960s, remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for today. Its values of peace, love, and unity, in times of social unrest continue to light the way for modern movements seeking justice, healing, and environmental renewal. Through nonviolence, compassion, and creative action, we are invited to reconnect with the deeper truths of our shared humanity and work together to build a more harmonious, vibrant world.

Over hundreds of thousands of years, plants and humans have intricately shaped each other’s evolution. Plants have profoundly influenced our biology, immune systems, and even our consciousness. From the chemical compounds plants use for defense to the essential nutrients they provide, the genetic relationship between plants and humans is a complex dance of mutual adaptation. As we explore these connections, my aim is to highlight how plants have not only been vital resources for human health but have also played a significant role in shaping our biology in profound and often surprising ways.

Dandelions have been used for generations as a source of nourishment and wellness support. From root to flower, they offer a rich source of nutrients and have traditionally been incorporated into teas, salads, and herbal preparations. Thriving in even the toughest conditions, dandelions remind us to stay resilient, adapt to change, and appreciate the simple gifts nature provides.

Hidden within the Harvard Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s most breathtaking artistic and scientific marvels—the Glass Flowers of Harvard. Officially known as the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants, this exquisite collection features over 4,000 handcrafted glass models of flowers, leaves, and botanical structures. Created between 1886 and 1936 by master artisans Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka.