🌸 What’s Blooming? Record Giants, Plant “Screams,” and Fair Fun
Fresh Clippings - August 20, 2025
🌻 Indiana Man’s Sunflower Shatters Record
Reaching 30 Feet High!
Move over, Jack and the Beanstalk—an Indiana gardener grew a sunflower so tall it could peek over the treetops! At 30 feet, 7 inches, this bloom just set a new Guinness World Record. It's hard to imagine a flower that big until you see it. [See the giant sunflower »]
🔊 Did You Know? Plants “Scream” When Stressed
It sounds like science fiction, but researchers found that thirsty or distressed plants—like parched tomatoes or freshly cut flowers—emit ultrasonic squeaks. We can’t hear them without special equipment, but scientists call it nature’s SOS.
The discovery could change how gardeners and growers “listen” to plant needs. [Discover the science »]
👒 Ancient Romans Wore Sunhats
(2,000 Years Before Garden Centers Sold Them)
Sun protection never goes out of style. A newly restored Roman sunhat, now on display in the UK, proves people have been shading themselves for millennia.
The wide-brimmed design looks strikingly familiar. Do you see a bucket hat? Clearly a timeless classic! [Read more »]
✨ Your Turn: Do you garden in a sunhat?
Here’s a peek at my own hat collection (and yes, there are more not pictured!).
📸 I’d love to see yours—send me a photo of your favorite gardening hat, and it might appear in a future issue!
🌸 Sneak Peek: Minnesota State Fair Flower Show
The Fair’s most colorful tradition returns! From dazzling flower displays to the fast-paced Minnesota State Florist Association’s Designer of the Year competition—it’s like “Chopped,” but with flowers. Contestants get a mystery bucket of blooms and must create show-stopping arrangements under pressure.
This year’s battle hits the Dirt Stage on August 27 (and will be streamed live!). Here is the judge of the contest, Sandy Schroeck, telling me about some of the highlights from last year. [Read more>>]
Plus, don’t miss the Ag-Hort-Bee Flower Competitions for inspiration worth planting at home. [Preview events »]
Also, Arnie Sachs never misses the State Fair Dahlia competition—and rarely misses the blue-ribbon column either. Fresh off his win at the Garden Club of Minneapolis, Arnie will soon be showing at the State Fair, competing at the Dahlia Club’s event at Bachman’s, and then heading to the national stage in Chicago. Read more about Arnie’s blue-ribbon story here.
Wishing you wonderful summer blooms! #bloomwithme
Diana
“Adopt the pace of nature: Her secret is patience.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
P.S. If you’ve enjoyed Bloom With Me, forward this to a friend who loves flowers or storytelling. Let’s keep growing together.
Oh, my goodness! A record breaking sunflower, screaming plants, and an ancient sun hat - what a rollicking read this was!!!