One of the most beautiful and fascinating things on earth is the flower. There are more than 400,000 species of flowers in the world, all without exception beautiful! Have you ever seen a flower is not beautiful?
Flowers have such a rich variety of colors and shapes, from the simple daisy that grows in the fields and along the roadsides to the elegant rose that symbolizes to many people love in its many facets. There are the colorful wildflowers that dot dots of fields and forests and there are cultivated and domesticated flowers that are beautifully arranged in rows in the gardens and courtyards. The flowers add so much beauty to the world - they are simply a gift of nature for all of us!
The history Plant a Flower day
The flowers have been around for at least 150 million years. From the dawn of history they have been a major component in various cultures all over the world and have also served other purposes besides decoration, such as medical use.
As early as 2,500 BC the ancient Egyptians used flowers to decorate large tables and halls, to pay homage to the living and the dead. In the tombs of the pharaohs, high priests and other wealthy citizens many remains of flowers were exposed.
In ancient Greece and Rome flowers were also used for the same purposes, and in some they were also used as medicinal plants.
Flowers are used as herbs to this day, through herbal teas, medicines and spices.
Butterfly pea flower tea known as "blue tea" is an infusion of the petals of the butterfly pea plant that originates in the tropical region of East Asia. The plant flowers are also used as herbs in Ayurveda. What is interesting about this tea, which has become popular over the years, is that the liquid changes color depending on the level of acidity (PH) of the substances added to it - its hue turns from blue to purple to burgundy the more acidic it is.
Chamomile tea is known for its calming effect on the body, and its help in preventing inflammation and disease, pain and digestive problems. This ancient drink has been known for thousands of years.
Throughout history, flowers have carried different symbolic meanings, among different peoples, religions and mythologies. In Hinduism, the oldest religion in the world, the lotus flower is considered an important spiritual symbol. Roses have been seen for many years as a show of love and affection and poppies are used to commemorate soldiers who died in the war.
The flowers were and are also an integral part of our traditions and ceremonies. Can you imagine ceremonies and holidays without bouquets on the table?
The flowers have also inspired many poets and painters in countless works of art such as Van Gogh's sunflowers, Monet's water lilies and so many more.
Flowers even have an impact on the economy. In the 17th century in the Netherlands in a period known as the 'Tulip Mania', tulips were considered so valuable that they were worth more than gold. People would take out loans just to buy tulip tubers and when tulip prices dropped sharply, this led to an economic crisis. The concept of the tulip craze is considered the first economic bubble and economists and capital market people sometimes use the term "tulipmania" as an example of an economic bubble.
The saffron, which is the expensive in spices, is made from dried crocus flowers.
Flowers also have a very great ecological importance. With their bright colors and magical scents, they not only illuminate the world around us but also attract and maintain pollinators like bees, butterflies and birds. They entice them with sweet nectar and hand out their precious powder in return. And once reproduced, flowers bear a sweet fruit that animals and humans can enjoy.
Important tips for planting flowers
Never underestimate your garden planting flowers. Always research when and where it is best to plant the flowers you want. Each type of flower has its own needs and preferences. Find out what type of soil they need, how often they need irrigation and how much light they need to flower and survive. When flowers wither, remove them and keep the stems pruned.
In general, flowers need soil with good drainage. Wildflowers, on the other hand, bloom best in poor quality soil.
Some flowers need to keep their tubers in a cool, dark place to simulate winter and plant them only when it is cold outside.
If you are a novice gardener, the flowers that are right for you to plant are geraniums, sunflowers, daffodils and lavender. The Tropaeolum majus (garden nasturtium, Indian cress, or monks cress) is a sure recipe for beautiful orange flowers in your garden. All it takes is to scatter their seeds and do nothing - just wait until spring for their blooms.
It is always advisable to look for perennials as these types of flowers will last for at least two years. And even if you do not have a garden, you can always buy flower pots and grow flowers at home.
How to celebrate Plant a Flower Day?
The best way to celebrate Plant a Flower Day is to plant a flower, or even some flowers. Take some time today to plant flowers that are appropriate for the season and the environment you are in. You can also hook up with neighbors and plant flowers in public areas to add color spots to places that look gray.
If you have children, this is the perfect day to take them out and explain to them about this magic of nature. What helps plants grow, why we need them and what we can do to help protect our earth's biodiversity. Incorporating a sense of wonder into the world in your children will help them appreciate the planet and make them more aware of their environment. In addition - what is better than quality time with the children outdoors, in the pleasant air outside the screens?
Want to get inspired to grow flowers? Join Facebook groups that deal with gardening. There are lots of people out there who will be happy to help you with anything you will need to plant flowers so that they will grow in the best way and admire the flowers that will bloom in your garden or pots. Also on YouTube you will find available flower arranging courses to help you get started.
The flowers add color to life. If you are feeling depressed, try to add this pleasant beauty and scent to your life. It sure will do you good.
March 12 is also Mauritius Independence Day
