Peter Dowdall: Plants engage multiple senses at once 

'Whether it's the rabbit's ear plant from childhood or a Christmas cactus passed down through generations, specific plants are living reminders of those we love'

Because it flowers around the festive season, the indoor plant Christmas cactus is associated with family gatherings and traditions. File picture

Did you ever think about when plants and psychology meet? Perhaps you haven’t done so consciously. However, I do not doubt that you have admired a plant in your garden and thought about the person who gave it to you, filled the olfactory nerves with a sweet scent which brought you straight back to childhood or some happy time. 

Perhaps every time that you see amaryllis in a flower bouquet you think of that special Christmas or your wedding day. Maybe it’s the hydrangeas that remind you of your grandmother's garden? Or is it the first plant that you planted in the garden of your first home that brings you back?