Photography by Gina Welds Hulse
One of my favorite flowers to plant each year is the sunflower. I remember growing the Russian Mammoth a couple of years ago.
When they reached maximum height, they topped out at over 8 feet tall. I would get up early each morning and watch them as they greeted the sun. They all faced east as if in worship, as the sun rose above the horizon. As the day progressed, the sunflowers followed the path of the sun, resting in the west before returning to the eastward facing by sunrise.
When they reached maximum height, they topped out at over 8 feet tall. I would get up early each morning and watch them as they greeted the sun. They all faced east as if in worship, as the sun rose above the horizon. As the day progressed, the sunflowers followed the path of the sun, resting in the west before returning to the eastward facing by sunrise.
I planted them again this year, together with another variety called red velvet. I realize just how much that simple sunflower can teach us about living.
First, sunflowers teach us that dreams start small. Russian mammoths start from a tiny seed, just like other plants or trees, like the oak.
Sunflowers remind us that we should not be afraid to let ourselves be beautiful.
The sunflower does not shy away from showing off its colors, its tall stalk and gracefulness.
Inside that tiny seed is beauty that is just yearning to come out, much like the beauty and the potential inside each of us.
The sunflower, also reminds us to always face the sun, so that the shadows of life will be cast behind us.
The sunflower also reminds us to dream big. The seed head of the Russian Mammoth measures almost 8 inches across (at least the ones that I grew). That's just the seed head.
The sunflower also reminds us to dream big. The seed head of the Russian Mammoth measures almost 8 inches across (at least the ones that I grew). That's just the seed head.
In order for the stalk to maintain that size of a flower, it must stick its neck out. We should not be afraid to stick our necks out and dream big. Sunflowers really know how to do this, and we could learn from this.
Sunflowers stay unified in purpose and position because of their focus.
Sunflowers are able to sustain themselves through seasons of drought because their roots are deep and extensive. Because of a Taproot system that spreads out in the depth of the soil, they’re able to get water from deep sources.
Sunflowers teach us to not complain about conditions. Dry earth? Dig in a little harder. A deserted garden? You never know who will visit some time. Lack of fertilizer? Look within yourself, engage your inner strength and resources.
Isn't it amazing that we can learn so much from a simple flower like the sunflower?
Original art by Gina Welds Hulse
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