I’VE always had a big thing for sunflowers. Growing in a few weeks into skyscrapers, they are living miracles – up there (pardon the pun) with the best of them.
As I push the stripy kernels into the astonishing summer height and heft to come, although recent events mean that now I can’t help but reflect on how lucky we are to live in a free and peaceful land.
Sunflowers are inextricably linked with the brave and beleaguered people of Ukraine. Not only are they their national flower, but the image of the golden petals against a blue sky also evokes the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag, while oil pressed from the seed provides a significant chunk of Ukraine’s agricultural wealth.
Denne historien er fra March 26, 2022-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra March 26, 2022-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters
