Clement on the (non-)use of flowers

"Do not encircle my head with a crown, for in the springtime it is delightful to while away the time on the dewy meads, while soft and many-coloured flowers are in bloom, and, like the bees, enjoy a natural and pure fragrance. [...] As beauty, so also the flower delights when looked at; and it is meet to glorify the Creator by the enjoyment of the sight of beautiful objects. The use of them is injurious, and passes swiftly away, avenged by remorse." (Clement of Alexandria, Paed. 1.8)

Origen on value naturalism

"[...]it would be found that in respect of both physical and external things those which contribute to the life according to nature are considered good, and those contrary to this bad." (Con. Cel. VI,55)