Col Hasan (Retd) describes some exquisite natural beauties
Lovely flowers are the best gift of nature to the human race. They are bewitchingly attractive to the human spirit. They have the potential to uplift human soul even out of deeply depressing circumstances. When they bloom they bring a breath of fresh air and their aroma engenders vivacity of life. Flowers bloom in every shape and form and with extremely vibrant colours that adds a scintillating appearance to them. There are innumerable kinds and types of flowers but some are exceptionally beautiful and draw attention towards them. Daffodils Cheery daffodils are a symbol of new beginnings, good fortune, and friendship, and are often the first sign of spring. The only thing to watch for is how you arrange the blooms in a vase once plucked. Their stems release a chemical that can shorten the life of other flowers. Daisies These small white flowers which mean “day’s eye,” are found on every continent except Antarctica and are thought to be distant cousins of the sunflower. They’re also edible and contain a lot of vitamin C, leading some to believe the petals can slow bleeding, relieve indigestion, and soothe coughs. Magnolias Fossils show these beautiful blossoms existed at least 20 million years ago, with many in ancient cultures using the plant’s bark to improve lung health and combat anxiety. They take more than 10 years to begin flowering, but can eventually reach heights of 26 metres (85 feet). Poppies Many wear a poppy in November as a symbol of remembrance; the stunning red flower was adopted as such for its ability to peek through the rubble in battlefields during World War I. But poppies also provide the world with a very important medicine: morphine. Their use dates back to Ancient Egypt. Zinnias These bushy, long-stemmed blooms grow quickly and easily and require minimal care, making them an excellent choice for green gardeners. The fabulously coloured florals also have specific nectar that attracts butterflies, birds and bees. Cherry blossoms A powerful symbol of renewal and hope, cherry blossoms are perhaps the most photographed petals on the planet. Picnicking under them is a springtime tradition in Japan and their scent contributes to the most popular body spray in the US. Bleeding hearts Part of the poppy family, these teardrop-shaped petals traditionally come in two colours: pink and white. The former is a sign of passion and love, and the latter, purity and innocence. Dahlias Though these flowers bloom beautifully each mid-summer through fall they were first classified as a vegetable: their tubers taste like a potato mixed with a radish. They are native to Mexico and Central America, and their medicinal properties have been known for hundreds of years, to treat everything from dry skin to insect bites. Chrysanthemums One of the first signs of fall is when these flowers show up on front porches. Affectionately known as mums they were originally cultivated in China over 3,000 years ago. The world over they’re symbols of joy, optimism, happiness, and honouring loved ones. Carnations Known as the Flowers of Gods this bloom gets its name from coronation since it was added to ceremonial crowns in Ancient Greece. Edible, they come in almost every colour and can also have their hues altered with the help of food colouring. TW
Lovely flowers… 2
Byadmin
Dated
May 22, 2022
Col Hasan (Retd) describes some
exquisite natural beauties
Lovely flowers are the best gift of nature to the human race. They are bewitchingly attractive to the human spirit. They have the potential to uplift human soul even out of deeply depressing circumstances. When they bloom they bring a breath of fresh air and their aroma engenders vivacity of life. Flowers bloom in every shape and form and with extremely vibrant colours that adds a scintillating appearance to them. There are innumerable kinds and types of flowers but some are exceptionally beautiful and draw attention towards them.
Daffodils
Cheery daffodils are a symbol of new beginnings, good fortune, and friendship, and are often the first sign of spring. The only thing to watch for is how you arrange the blooms in a vase once plucked. Their stems release a chemical that can shorten the life of other flowers.
Daisies
These small white flowers which mean “day’s eye,” are found on every continent except Antarctica and are thought to be distant cousins of the sunflower. They’re also edible and contain a lot of vitamin C, leading some to believe the petals can slow bleeding, relieve indigestion, and soothe coughs.
Magnolias
Fossils show these beautiful blossoms existed at least 20 million years ago, with many in ancient cultures using the plant’s bark to improve lung health and combat anxiety. They take more than 10 years to begin flowering, but can eventually reach heights of 26 metres (85 feet).
Poppies
Many wear a poppy in November as a symbol of remembrance; the stunning red flower was adopted as such for its ability to peek through the rubble in battlefields during World War I. But poppies also provide the world with a very important medicine: morphine. Their use dates back to Ancient Egypt.
Zinnias
These bushy, long-stemmed blooms grow quickly and easily and require minimal care, making them an excellent choice for green gardeners. The fabulously coloured florals also have specific nectar that attracts butterflies, birds and bees.
Cherry blossoms
A powerful symbol of renewal and hope, cherry blossoms are perhaps the most photographed petals on the planet. Picnicking under them is a springtime tradition in Japan and their scent contributes to the most popular body spray in the US.
Bleeding hearts
Part of the poppy family, these teardrop-shaped petals traditionally come in two colours: pink and white. The former is a sign of passion and love, and the latter, purity and innocence.
Dahlias
Though these flowers bloom beautifully each mid-summer through fall they were first classified as a vegetable: their tubers taste like a potato mixed with a radish. They are native to Mexico and Central America, and their medicinal properties have been known for hundreds of years, to treat everything from dry skin to insect bites.
Chrysanthemums
One of the first signs of fall is when these flowers show up on front porches. Affectionately known as mums they were originally cultivated in China over 3,000 years ago. The world over they’re symbols of joy, optimism, happiness, and honouring loved ones.
Carnations
Known as the Flowers of Gods this bloom gets its name from coronation since it was added to ceremonial crowns in Ancient Greece. Edible, they come in almost every colour and can also have their hues altered with the help of food colouring. TW
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Lt Col S. Hassan Ahmed (Retired) is a social activist
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