As I curl up in front of the fireplace my thoughts wonder back to summer. Summer days, when the average July daylight was 16 hours compared to 8.5 hours in January and remembering how the sunflowers growing in the RCG and the Renfrew community always brought a smile to my face.
The sunflower is an amazing flower with many varieties. The scientific name for the sunflower is Helianthus, which is the combination of the Greek words “helios” (sun) and “anthos” (flower). This flower is also associated with the Greek God Apollo and some of Vincent van Gogh’s famous paintings are of sunflowers. Young sunflower plants will follow the movement of the sun during the day. Facing east in the morning and moving their flowers to face west as the sun moves across the sky. As the sunflower matures this movement will stop and the plant will face east.
Sunflowers are native to North America. Sunflowers attract pollinators and pest control bugs like lady bugs and lacewings and interestingly, the sunflower can help to improve soil health and can help the environment by absorbing some soil contaminants through their roots. Along with these impressive qualities the sunflower is also a good companion flower that provides garden shade and support for climbing plants.
A positive addition to your 2026 garden!
Smiling Gardeners
Click here to the Renfrew Community News home page for the latest Renfrew community updates.
