I suppose it’s inevitable that economic conditions and politics will filter, in one way or another, into gardening.
Newscasts highlight the precarious times we live in. The cost of living, including the cost of food, continues to rise in a trend that shows no sign of levelling off. This has affected home gardening in a big way as people become more keen than ever to grow as much of their own food as possible, in whatever spaces they have — plots cut out of a lawn, containers on balconies and patios, spaces in community gardens.
And now there is war with its far-flung repercussions that include the potential for further price increases.
Ukraine has long been a crucial “bread basket” of Europe and beyond, and a major exporter of another staple — sunflower oil. It’s difficult to imagine how either wheat or sunflowers will be grown this year in that beleaguered country.
Shock at the country’s cruel misfortune has led to a widespread desire to help as we can and to express hope for a way out. Because the sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine, it has become a symbol of resistance, peace, and solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Gardeners are encouraged to become part of that solidarity and hope for peace by planting sunflowers in our gardens this spring.
Growing sunflowers. Not all sunflowers are giant plants. Dwarf varieties such as Big Smile, Teddy Bear and Music Box are suitable for small space and container gardens.
For the best possible root systems, plant the seeds directly outdoors this month or in early May. I’m selecting sites throughout the food and ornamental garden, for optimum enjoyment of the impressive blooms through the summer.
Sunflowers are not demanding plants. They require a sunny site and a reasonably fertile, humusy soil that drains well. While the plants are small, thin dwarf varieties to 15 cm apart, the large types 60 to 90 cm apart.
Planting sunflowers is an ideal project for children. Small hands manage the large seeds easily. Watching for the seeds to sprout and monitoring the plant’s rapid growth are engaging occupations, as is noting how the big blooms turn over the course of a day to stay facing the sun.
The large, conspicuous blooms attract pollinators and other beneficial insects into gardens. The roots absorb and eliminate toxins from the soil. These flowers are not just pretty faces.
Sunflower symbolism. The sunflower has long embodied the promise of warmth, energy, and well-being — benefits that flow from the sun itself. The sunflower’s turning to follow the sun’s daily path presents an image of loyalty and devotion.
Vincent van Gogh, who produced a famous series of sunflower paintings, also painted sunflowers on the walls of his home. He considered the sunflower to be a symbol of light and renewal.
As we plant, care for and enjoy our sunflower plants and blooms, may we contemplate the prospect of light, renewal, and peace, and may we wish those blessings on to those who need them most.
Events return. May I express delight that gardening associations are slowly reactivating and reaching out to gardeners on the Island. These groups are important segments of the gardening community. Thumbs, in varying shades of green, crossed that the trend continues with safety and health to all.
GARDEN EVENTS
VHS meeting. The Victoria Horticultural Society is hosting a Zoom meeting on Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, an urban horticulturist and professor in the Department of Horticulture at Washington State University, will draw on her work in soil science research in her presentation on all things soil — What makes for healthy garden soil and how to nurture it. Drop-in fee for non-members is $5. To register, visit vichortsociety.org.
Plantaholics sale. The Mill Bay Plantaholics plant sale will continue online, with the list of available (mainly ornamental) plants going out on Sunday, April 10, to those who have asked to be placed on the customer list. Pick-up of orders will be on Saturday, April 23, at 2836 Oceanside Lane in Mill Bay, where Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions. To be added to the customer list, contact Elaine at TheScottRogers@aolcom.
