2 amazing flowers!
Super sunflowers!
The tall-stemmed sunflower with a large, sunny face is probably one of the most recognized flowers in the world. In fact, let's be honest, no flower is more famous than the sunflower. She is the Kim Kardashian of the flower world. They have been used as a symbol of the gods, summer and various environmental movements. Although they are native to America, sunflower seeds have spread throughout the world and have been planted in the soil and heart of many countries. It is appreciated not only for its friendly beauty, but because almost every part of the sunflower can be used for something.
A brief history of sunflowers
Helianthus is the genus name of the plant. It translates perfectly literally from the Greek helios which means 'sun' and Anthos means 'flower' and also because the glorious yellow heads resemble the sun (true), or because of the widespread belief that the blooming heads turn to follow the sun while follow the trail. across the sky (unfortunately false, they look east).
In fact, there are more than 70 species of helianthus in the Asteraceae family, all native to America. The common sunflower helianthus annus was first brought to Europe in the 16th century, and the seeds and oil have been popular cooking ingredients ever since.
More important, of course, sunflowers are beautiful and for hundreds of years they have made our gray, rainy island a sunnier place. Not to mention a great muse for old Van Gogh.
The importance of the sunflower for the natives of America
Sunflowers were one of the important crops grown in Native American gardens. Some people call sunflowers the "fourth sister," in reference to the corn, beans, and squash of the Three Sisters. Sunflower seeds were an important food crop and source of oil for cooking and cosmetics, and different varieties of sunflower were grown to produce purple and yellow dyes. Sunflower oil was also believed to treat skin ailments, and sunflowers had a variety of medicinal uses in different tribes. Some Native Americans also viewed sunflowers as a symbol of courage, so warriors would wear sunflower cakes to fight with them or a hunter would sprinkle sunflower powder on his clothing to keep his spirit up.
Here come the Victorians again and their flower language.
The Victorians thought that the sunflower meant a bit of pride, possibly because the taller varieties loom over most other flowers. They also thought that, in the language of flowers, sunflowers symbolized appreciation and gratitude. So when you receive your box next week, think of it as thanking you for being such a lovely customer.
Van a Gogh Gogh
Sunflowers is one of the most popular paintings in the National Gallery. It is the paint most often seen on cards, posters, mugs, tea towels, and stationery. It was also the image that Van Gogh was most proud of. If you are feeling as full of sunflowers as I am this week, why not go to the National Gallery and marvel at the wonderful picture of him.
So there you have it. Sunflowers are not only wonderful to have in your home, but also the most versatile flower out there. Just don't have the urge to cut your ear when looking at them.
Peonymania
Peonies are actually shameless displays, with their luxurious ornaments and lovely colors. Here's everything you need to know about these seasonal sensations ...
Try sneaking up on someone and suddenly whispering "Peony!" to them. You'll see their ears lift up, their eyes fog up, and there's a good chance they'll say in a dreamy voice, 'That's my favorite flower, how did you know?'
Because peonies are, let's face it, sensational: big bangs of ruffled petals, bursting in the most outrageous way from tiny tight buds.
They are floral superstars, really. Perhaps that is why one of the most popular contemporary strains is named after that legendary diva, French actress Sarah Bernhardt.
Short and sweet
The peony season is beautiful but also incredibly short. Peony season is only from late May to late June, so make sure you've ordered your boxes so you don't miss out on the peony mania.
Peony tips and tricks
In terms of fixing the peonies, you don't have to do much as they are perfectly fine on their own. Place them in a vase and they will keep opening and opening, filling your room with scent and color.
However, if you think they are too closed, put their heads in a bowl of warm water and bang them against the table. That will speed up the opening process. Don't hit them too hard!
A BRIEF HISTORY OF PEONIES
The popularity of peonies actually dates back much further back than Mademoiselle Bernhardt. The genus Paeonia (the only genus in the family Paeoniaceae) is native to Asia, Europe, and North America, with around thirty to forty varieties worldwide.
They are named after Paean, a doctor from Greek mythology who was turned into a flower by the god Zeus. But historically, they are more associated with the Far East.
In China they have been cultivated since at least the 6th century, initially for medicinal purposes and then increasingly as ornamental flowers. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Japanese began to cultivate them in earnest, creating crosses between herbaceous and arboreal peonies called 'Itoh' or 'intersectional' peonies.
And the European peony-mania really began in 19th century France when the great florist Victor Lemoine began creating the glorious ancestors of the varieties we see today.
Peony Fun Facts
When Marco Polo first saw peonies while in the Far East, how he described them he was "roses as big as cabbages"!
In ancient times, peonies were used medicinally and were believed to help relieve headaches and help with asthma.
The Chinese name for the peony is sho yu and this means "the most beautiful". I mean you can understand the thought process behind it!
A peony represents wealth and honor. It also embodies romance and love, and is considered a harbinger of good fortune and a happy marriage.
They really are an amazing flower. You don't want to miss peony season!