It was nice to find this sunflower still in quite good condition, since many others around the gardens at Newby Hall were fading rapidly.
The sunflower plant has an erect rough-hairy stem, reaching typical heights of 3 metres (10 feet). The tallest sunflower on record achieved 9.17 m (30 ft 1 in).
The plant was first domesticated in the Americas. Sunflower seeds were brought to Europe from the Americas in the 16th century, where, along with sunflower oil, they became a widespread cooking ingredient. With time, the bulk of industrial-scale production has shifted to Eastern Europe, and (in 2020) Russia and Ukraine together produce over half of worldwide seed production.
In Ukraine, Sunflowers are the national flower. They are prominently displayed in festive celebrations, as decorations woven into clothing, wreaths, and headdresses. Further, Ukrainians view the vibrant flower as a symbol of peace and resilience. After the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster in 1986, Ukrainians planted sunflowers in the devastated area.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the sunflower has taken on new layers of meaning, emerging as a “global symbol of resistance, unity and hope".
It is quite a while since we commented on the situation of Katharine's relatives in Ukraine. We hear little from them, but as far as we are aware, they are all safe and well, though the conditions in which they live get increasingly difficult. Fortunately they live in the west of the country well away from main battle areas, though still at risk from long range missiles.
What a gorgeous bloom. I love sunflowers and was aware of them as a Ukranian symbol, but interesting to read your narrative for more information. Glad your relatives are in the west and doing ok, despite not being fully out of danger ❤️
A beautiful sunflower, with a message.
We ate a lovely meal in a Ukranian restaurant in Tallinn. The Baltic states are extremely supportive of Ukraine. There was also a shop, run by volunteers, where I bought a lovely handmade bracelet. All their profits go to support Ukraine.
I hope you enjoyed your Ukrainian meal. My memory of Ukrainian meals is rather coloured by an early encounter with a Christmas meal soon after I met Katharine - the traditional meal has 12 courses and was spread over several hours. It was an interesting challenge to cope with all that food!
We ate a lovely meal in a Ukranian restaurant in Tallinn. The Baltic states are extremely supportive of Ukraine. There was also a shop, run by volunteers, where I bought a lovely handmade bracelet. All their profits go to support Ukraine.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
Thank you too for those of you who support Ukraine in their conflict with Russia.
I liked this sunflower because of its more unusual colour, rather than the more usual bright yellow.
Ian
I hope you enjoyed your Ukrainian meal. My memory of Ukrainian meals is rather coloured by an early encounter with a Christmas meal soon after I met Katharine - the traditional meal has 12 courses and was spread over several hours. It was an interesting challenge to cope with all that food!
Ian
Thank you both - sunflowers are such cheerful flowers!
Ian