10 Surprising Garden Trivia Facts You Never Knew
When it comes to gardens, there is always something new and interesting to learn. From the type of flowers that bloom to the soil they grow in, gardens hold a wealth of fascinating information. Check out these 10 surprising garden trivia facts you never knew.
1. The Oldest Garden in the World is Over 4,000 Years Old
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is believed to be the oldest garden in the world. It was created over 4,000 years ago in Mesopotamia and is known for its impressive terraces, exotic plants, and intricate irrigation system.
2. Bananas Are Berries
Bananas are not generally considered berries, but they actually are! The technical definition of a berry is a fruit that is produced from a single ovary and has no internal seeds. This makes bananas, with their thin skin and internal seeds, a true berry.
3. The World’s Largest Flower Is Nearly Three Feet Wide
The Rafflesia arnoldii, also known as the “corpse flower”, is the world’s largest flower. It can grow up to three feet wide, weigh up to 15 pounds, and emit a foul odor similar to rotting flesh. The flower is native to Southeast Asia and is considered rare and endangered.
4. Carrots Used to Be Purple
Carrots were not always the vibrant orange color we see today. In fact, the first carrots were purple and were grown in Afghanistan over 1,000 years ago. It wasn’t until the 16th century that Dutch farmers began breeding carrots to be orange as a tribute to the House of Orange.
5. Venus Flytraps Are Only Native to One Place in the World
The unique and intriguing Venus flytrap is only native to a small area along the North and South Carolina border in the United States. The plants grow in sandy soil and are known for their ability to snap shut on unsuspecting insects, which they then digest for nutrients.
6. Sunflowers Can Help Clean Up Nuclear Radiation
Scientists have discovered that sunflowers are excellent at absorbing harmful toxins and pollutants from the soil, including radiation from nuclear accidents. This ability made sunflowers a popular choice for planting in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, where they helped remove toxins from the soil.
7. The World’s Largest Tree is a Flowering Tree
The General Sherman Tree, located in Sequoia National Park in California, is the largest tree in the world by volume. It stands at 275 feet tall and has a circumference of over 100 feet. What many people don’t know is that the General Sherman Tree is actually a member of the flowering tree family.
8. The Color of Hydrangeas Depends on Soil pH
The color of hydrangea flowers depends on the pH of the soil they are planted in. Acidic soil (pH below 7) produces blue flowers, while alkaline soil (pH above 7) produces pink flowers. The pH level can also affect the intensity of the color, with more acidic soil producing deeper blue flowers.
9. The World’s Smallest Flower is Only 1mm Wide
The Wolffia globosa, also known as the “watermeal”, is the smallest flower in the world. It grows in aquatic environments and is only 1mm wide. Despite its size, it is a fully functioning flower with male and female reproductive organs and can even produce seeds.
10. Flowers Can Help Improve Memory and Concentration
It turns out that the beautiful flowers in our gardens can do more than just look pretty. Studies have shown that the presence of flowers can help improve memory and concentration in both adults and children. So the next time you’re feeling forgetful or distracted, take a walk through your garden and enjoy the natural beauty around you.
