There’s something about Sunflowers…

I love sunflowers. To me, they symbolise the South of France and remind me of our Castelnaudary house. There is a field next door that is used to grow sunflowers. They are such a cheerful flower. I quite often treat myself to a bunch of sunflowers. They are guaranteed to brighten the gloomiest day.

I also have happy memories of the giant sunflowers grown by my sons, at primary school. How competitive they were and how delighted when one of their flowers grew taller than them!

9 Fun facts about sunflowers:

• The French word for sunflower is ‘ tournesol’.

• They turn towards or follow the sun. This action is known as heliotropism.

• They were worshipped by the Aztecs and the Incas as a symbol of the sun god.

• Native American Indians placed bowls of sunflower seeds on the graves of their dead.

• There are not just yellow sunflowers. They can be striped or even red!.

• They naturally decontaminate the soil by soaking up hazardous materials and absorbing toxins.

• They are the national flower of the Ukraine.

• Van Gogh did not produce just one painting entitled ‘Sunflowers’ but a series of canvases.

• A fear of sunflowers is known as ‘Helianthrophobia’.

   

Do you like sunflowers? Do you have a favourite flower? I’d love to know!