Drawing of sunflower

The sunflower is a beautiful flower. And it can grow impossibly tall. I remember my grandmother ‘accidentally’ growing a hugely tall one (or so it seemed to me then) which she thought must have come from the bird seed she constantly threw on the ground.

Latter on they became synonymous with Southern France, where you find fields and fields of the large-headed sunflowers, grown for their seeds, and left to die and dry out on the stems. Apparently they are also good for the soil; their deep roots help break up compacted earth and enhance drainage. The decomposing sunflowers also return to the soil nutrients previously absorbed ans stored in their leaves and stems.

Today when we see an image of a sunflower, we think of Ukraine. Probably few of us knew before the recent war that the sunflower was Ukraine’s National flower, but now it’s difficult to think of anything else. A symbol of resilience turning its face towards the light.

And if I’ve whetted anyone’s appetite to see some sunflowers, there is a Dorset Sunflower Trail at Maiden Castle raising funds for the local hospital until Saturday 31st August 2024.