Sunflowers are not my favourite flower, but these were not for me. I sent them to my daughter for her birthday and she loved them. Even though there are lots of other more delicate flowers I prefer, my eyes are irresistibly drawn to sunflowers: their height, their large size, and the vividness of their petals contrasting with the seed-filled centre. They draw attention to themselves with their unique stature and deep orange or yellow colour.

Also, they are useful for their seeds, both for snacking and baking. Fields of them are a gorgeous spectacle. Here is an example from Friuli in northeastern Italy. They are probably being cultivated for their seeds, their oil, and maybe to be sold for bouquets, like the one I sent my daughter.

Van Gogh was clearly inspired by them.

Do you like sunflowers? – Maria

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