Fading sunflowers signify the end of summer, but even so, their beauty remains....
The last few years I have not planted sunflowers in my garden even though they are my favorite flower! After reading up on some facts and folklore surrounding this gorgeous flower, I now cannot wait till Spring to plant them again!
What is it that draws us to Sunflowers? The official meaning of the sunflower is loyalty and longevity. I know I am not the only one who favors this versatile flower. It brings a kind of nostalgic overall feeling whether perfectly fresh or somewhat faded. Actually the faded, rustic flower lends itself to vintage surroundings which always warms my heart!
I am not sure when my love of sunflowers (and all similar flowers like the daisy and zinnia) took hold but when I went to Italy for my honeymoon, the fields and fields of sunflowers driving through Tuscany sealed it.
Some facts:
* the sunflower is the state flower of Kansas
* the genus is Helianthus (Greek)....helios meaning sun and anthos meaning flower. It is an annuus or annual.
* when a sunflower is mature it faces eastward
* the sunflower has been around since 3,000 BC and was domesticated by North and South American peoples. It represented the Sun God to many Native American tribes.
* sunflower seeds are used to produce cooking oil, coming in third as a common source
* the seeds are edible and contain calcium and protein
A simple recipe for roasting sunflower seeds can be found here.
My fading sunflowers are not from my garden but were bought for me by my wonderful husband. And now that they are at their end, I will harvest the seeds to try roasting some. I roast pumpkin seeds every year and they are so good that I know these will be too.
Are you a sunflower lover?
AnnMarie :)
I am linking up to these great blog parties!
Sweet & Savoury Sundays
Bouquet of Talent Linky Party
Inspiration Monday
Marvelous Mondays
Amaze Me Monday
The Scoop
You're Gonna Love It
Tuesday Trivia
What's It Wednesday
Be Inspired
Freedom Fridays
Seasonal Sundays
The last few years I have not planted sunflowers in my garden even though they are my favorite flower! After reading up on some facts and folklore surrounding this gorgeous flower, I now cannot wait till Spring to plant them again!
What is it that draws us to Sunflowers? The official meaning of the sunflower is loyalty and longevity. I know I am not the only one who favors this versatile flower. It brings a kind of nostalgic overall feeling whether perfectly fresh or somewhat faded. Actually the faded, rustic flower lends itself to vintage surroundings which always warms my heart!
I am not sure when my love of sunflowers (and all similar flowers like the daisy and zinnia) took hold but when I went to Italy for my honeymoon, the fields and fields of sunflowers driving through Tuscany sealed it.
Whether it is a vase of three or four sunflowers or a whole field of them, they just spread happiness with their warm radiance.
Some Sunflower Folklore
The Legend is.....
...if you plant a sunflower in your yard it will bring you luck and if you cut it at sunset it will bring you luck the next day.
...if you want to know the truth in any situation, sleep with a sunflower nestled under your bed.
...wearing sunflower seeds around your neck will protect you against small pox
* the sunflower is the state flower of Kansas
* the genus is Helianthus (Greek)....helios meaning sun and anthos meaning flower. It is an annuus or annual.
* when a sunflower is mature it faces eastward
* the sunflower has been around since 3,000 BC and was domesticated by North and South American peoples. It represented the Sun God to many Native American tribes.
* sunflower seeds are used to produce cooking oil, coming in third as a common source
* the seeds are edible and contain calcium and protein
A simple recipe for roasting sunflower seeds can be found here.
My fading sunflowers are not from my garden but were bought for me by my wonderful husband. And now that they are at their end, I will harvest the seeds to try roasting some. I roast pumpkin seeds every year and they are so good that I know these will be too.
Are you a sunflower lover?
AnnMarie :)
I am linking up to these great blog parties!
Sweet & Savoury Sundays
Bouquet of Talent Linky Party
Inspiration Monday
Marvelous Mondays
Amaze Me Monday
The Scoop
You're Gonna Love It
Tuesday Trivia
What's It Wednesday
Be Inspired
Freedom Fridays
Seasonal Sundays
