🌸 What’s Blooming? Record Giants, Plant “Screams,” and Fair Fun

Fresh Clippings - August 20, 2025

Diana Pierce

Indiana Man’s Sunflower Shatters Record Reaching 30 Feet High!

Giant Sunflower Image from Fort Wayne resident Alex Babich/ YouTube

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]

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Did You Know? Plants “Scream” When Stressed

Wilting plant photo: Diana Pierce — yes, I watered mine right after this shot!

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 »]

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Ancient Romans Wore Sunhats(2,000 Years Before Garden Centers Sold Them)

Museum restorer working with ancient sunhat. Credit: Ian Trumble / SWNS

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 here]

Your Turn: Do you garden in a sunhat?

Here’s a peek at my own hat collection (and yes, there are more not pictured!).

My Garden Hats. Photo: Diana Pierce

I’d love to see yours—send me a photo of your favorite gardening hat, and it might appear in a future issue!

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Sneak Peek: Minnesota State Fair Flower Show

The Minnesota State Fair’s most colorful tradition returns! From dazzling flower displays to the fast-paced Mn 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]

Arnie Sachs holding his blue ribbon Dahlia- Photo: Diana Pierce

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 from last year here.

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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.

2026 Flower Calendar Pre-Orders

Each year I produce a calendar of my best flower photography. This video is an example of my 2025 calendar. If you'd like to make sure you are notified as soon as they are available to order, message me here.