Thursday, August 27, 2009

Sunflower Bouquets Are The Perfect Summer Gift

Fresh sunflower bouquets lift the spirits like no other flower can. With their bright,golden color sunflowers make the perfect gift for late summer and autumn occasions. Classic yellow sunflowers have brilliant petals petals that surround the center radiating outward to give an appearance similar to the sun itself.

Although yellow sunflowers are the most familiar they actually come in many warm colors including golden orange to burnished red.

Sunflowers are native to the Americas and have been cultivated since at least 1000 B.C. They were originally grown for their nutritious seeds which provided a valuable source of essential fats.

When Europeans began exploring the New World they inevitably discovered the sunflower and were taken with its beautiful appearance. It wasn't long until plant breeders began to spread sunflowers and their seeds around the world.The seeds of sunflowers continue to be harvested for their seeds and oil but many types are grown strictly for the cut flower industry.

Sunflowers have always been favorite subjects of artists and were especially popular with impressionist painters like Vincent Van Gogh.

Sunflowers, c.1888
Sunflowers, c.1888
Art Print
van Gogh, Vincent
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Meanings Of Sunflowers

In the language of flowers, most of the meaning applied to sunflowers reflects the flower's physical resemblance to the sun itself.Symbols of radiant warmth, sunflowers are the happiest of flowers, and their meanings include loyalty and longevity. They are unique in their ability to provide energy in the form of nourishment and vibrant beauty, qualities which mirror the sun and the energy provided by its heat and light.

Much mythology centers around the fact that these flowers look so much like the sun and have such an affinity for it. When growing in fields and gardens sunflowers stretch their long stems and follow the movements of the sun. This behavior is known as phototropism.

Sunflower bouquets are often given to symbolize adoration and longevity. This glorious flower is a little symbol of the sun itself so it's not surprising that people enjoy growing them and bringing them into their homes when they are in season.

A gift of a sunflower bouquet will always be a welcomed gift for any occasion from summer birthdays to get well bouquets to hostess gifts. Sending sunflowers will convey feelings of warmth,cheerfulness and joy. Men and women alike appreciate a gift of a fresh cut sunflower bouquet.

Endless Summer Sunflower Bouquet