SOWING IN SEPTEMBER
FLOWERING PLANTS
ROSE
Rose is probably the most well-known flowering plant found in gardens, parks and balconies and is rightly considered the queen of flowers, a symbol of love beauty all over the world.
Roses have been known since ancient times, and they still impress with their beautiful colors and unique fragrance.
They can be planted all year round, with the color of their flowers being proportional to the variety of each rose. They are very resistant to cold.
The stem of the plant is armed with sharp prickles, as do the leaves on their tips.
Plant label: Common name Rose
Type (herb, shrub, tree): shrub
Maximum height: It depends on the variety
Light preferences (shade, sun): Sun
Water requirements (little, a lot): A lot, so that the soil doesn’t dry
Soil preferences (type): Rich in nutrients
Flower color: Dark red, red, orange, pink, or white
Sowed in (month of the year): All year round
Cold tolerance (low- high): High
Heat tolerance (low – high): Quite enough
Rose’s secrets:
Through time, poets in the whole world have written about roses, while many painters have included them in a huge variety of compositions.
“The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is a book adored by children and adults like no other. It has been translated into 500 languages! This unique fairy tale makes observations about life, adults, and human nature – it explains the power of love between a small boy and a rose.
“Beauty and the Beast” is also a very old but well-known fairy tale, talking about the importance of a rose, which still enchants children, 260 years after the time it was written!
Apart from its beauty and fragrance, roses give us an excellent quality of essential oil, which we get from the petals of the flower, and is used in cosmetics. Rose petals or flower buds are sometimes used to flavor ordinary tea, or combined with other herbs to make herbal teas.
Since ancient times, one can see that roses were used for their many medicinal properties. People used them for headaches and for healing eyes, ears, gums, and bleeding.
There is evidence for medicinal use of rose in ancient Greece as early as 1600 BC. but also in ancient Egypt, China and India. However, the homeland of the rose is Persia.
Rose has been a wellness favorite for centuries. It promotes healthy skin, while soothing irritations and acting as a natural skin cleanser. Rose is rich in vitamin C and significantly treats wrinkles.
…AND HERE IS THE ROSE LABEL!
Click on the photo below, adjust the size, print, Cut the border with scissors and Glue this paper tag on an ice cream stick! Place the stick in the soil of the rose you just planted!
Place the stick in the soil of the parsley you just planted!
This way you will know which plant it is, especially later when you will grow many plants at the same time!
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ANEMONE
It is a well-known flower, cultivated in gardens and parks
It is abundant in forests and meadows
Its name, anemone, means daughter of the wind – it comes from the Greek word anemos (wind)
The Ancient Greeks believed that these plants bloomed only when the wind blew
There are more than 60 different species of anemone
Plant label: Common name Anemone
| Type (herb, bush, tree) | herb |
| Maximum height | Usually up to 15 cm |
| Light preferences (shade, sun) | Sun |
| Water requirements (little, a lot) | A lot, so that the soil doesn’t dry |
| Soil preferences (type) | Rich in nutrients |
| Flower colour | Red, dark purple, light purple, pink, or white |
| Sowed in (month of the year) | September to November |
| Cold tolerance (low- high) | Quite enough |
| Heat tolerance (low – high) | Quite enough |
Anemone’s secrets
In Eastern cultures anemone is a symbol of illness or bad luck, while in Western cultures it is a symbol of protection from negative thoughts and actions
The ability of the flower to close at night and open in the morning means the prediction of something that will happen soon (like rain)
Herbalists in the Middle Ages used it as a medicine for headaches
Today it is rarely used due to its toxic ingredients
The name of the flower is associated with an ancient myth describing the love of Adonis and Aphrodite that didn’t last long. When the wind blows it makes its buds bloom and after another blast its petals scatter far away…
…and the Anemone Label!
Click on the photo below, adjust the size, print, cut with scissors the border and glue that paper label on an ice cream stick! Then put the stick in the soil of the Anemone you planted! This way you will know which plant it is, especially when you sow and grow several plants at the same time…!
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IRIS
This is a beautiful flower, with many different colors like the rainbow’s. That’s why it is called Iris, (name of the ancient Greek goddess of the rainbow!)
It is planted in autumn and in the spring time it gives us enchanting colorful flowers that beautify our balcony and our garden!
Its beauty made of Iris a favorite painting subject of famous artists, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet.
- Iris symbolizes faith, hope, purity, and communication – each color symbolizing something different
- It belongs to the same family together with crocus, freesia etc.
- It is used as an aromatic and medicinal herb
- During the Middle Ages, the iris flower was associated with the French monarchy
- The Botanical Department of the Goulandris Natural History Museum has published a species of Iris new to science, which was named Iris hellenica
Click on the photo below, adjust the size, print, cut with scissors the border and stick that paper tag on an ice cream stick!
Then place the stick into the soil of the iris you planted! This way you will know which plant it is since you are growing multiple plants at the same time…!
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CYCLAMEN
“A little rose-flowered bird, tied with a thread,
with his curled wings in the sun it flies.”
This is a poem by a well-known Greek poet, Yannis Ritsos about the cyclamen.
Cyclamen is the flower that informs us autumn is coming and one of the most beautiful wild flowers of Greece. It blooms with the first rains, creating a spectacular colorful carpet of flowers.
Its flower looks like a small butterfly or bird, ready to fly, while its leaves are heart-shaped and come in various shades of green.
Plant label: common name Cyclamen
Type (herb, bush, tree): Herb
Maximum height: 8-35 cm
Light preferences (shade, sun): Shade
Water requirements (little, a lot): A little, about 2 times a week, when the soil dries
Soil preferences (type): Plump and rich in nutrients
Flower colour: Purple, pink, fuchsia, red or white
Sowed in (month of the year): September
Cold tolerance (low- high): Medium
Heat tolerance (low – high): Low, very sensitive in high temperatures
CYCLAMINE’S SECRETS:
· After the end of flowering time, when its leaves turn yellow, we say cyclamen “sleeps”, i.e. falls into dormancy, to rest. It will wake up when we water it again in early September.
. It symbolizes fertility, tranquility and honesty.
· Because of its long flowering period, cyclamen has also been associated with the concept of deep and everlasting love and devotion
. Scientific studies report that cyclamen bulbs contain a substance capable of effectively treating the symptoms of sinusitis
Click on the photo below, adjust the size, print, cut with scissors the border and stick that paper tag on an ice cream stick! Then place the stick into the soil of the cyclamen you planted! This way you will know which plant it is since you are growing multiple plants at the same time…!
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FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
LETTUCE
Lettuce is used as a synonym for money. We say “is there any lettuce?”, asking whether there is money involved. Also, when we want to describe one who spends money without thinking, we say “he spreads money just like lettuce leaves”.
It is the best known green, fresh vegetable – we eat its big leaves.
Lettuce is eaten raw, alone or in salads, usually matched very well together with spring onion and dill.
In Greece we also eat it cooked in lamb dishes, or in stew during Easter time (called mageritsa).
Lettuce’s secrets
It is a very well known vegetable since ancient times – was used in Greece and several other countries.
It derives from Asia. There are many varieties today, from the simple, common lettuce – what we call romana – there is a French variety, iceberg, lola, Chinese, and other lettuces, that come in various colors, from dark green to red, transforming our salads to colorful dishes.
Lettuce contains a lot of water and small amounts of fiber. Its most important nutrients are vitamin A and potassium. Lettuce is also a source of vitamin C, calcium and iron.
….and lettuce’s label!
Click the photo below, adjust its size, print it, use your scissors in order to cut the outline and stick this label on a wooden stick from an ice cream! Then put the stick in the soil next to the lettuce you planted! This way, you will know which plant it is, especially when you plant and grow different plants at the same time!
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BROCCOLI
It really looks like a tiny tree and is the cauliflower “cousin”!
Broccoli is one of the tastiest and healthiest winter vegetables. It can be eaten
raw or boiled in salads, pickled, in velouté vegetable soups, even “au gratin”!
Having a rich nutritional value it is beneficial for our health and ideal for those
who choose a low calorie diet!
Broccoli’s secrets
- The name broccoli is Italian, meaning the flowering top of a cabbage.
- It belongs to the same family as cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels
sprouts! - The green “tree shaped” part we eat is not the broccoli’s fruit, but its
flower! - It’s an Italian vegetable, known since the Roman Empire!
- One cup of broccoli has as much vitamin C as one orange!
….and broccoli’s label!
Click the photo below, adjust its size, print it, use your scissors in order to cut the outline and glue this label on a wooden stick from an ice cream! Then put the stick in the soil next to the broccoli you planted! This way, you will know which plant it is, especially when you plant and grow different plants at the same time!
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CAULIFLOWER
One of the most popular vegetables, cauliflower is planted in the summer in order to enjoy it in the winter! We could say that cauliflower is broccoli’s… “cousin”!
It can be eaten in many different ways: raw, combined with other vegetables, boiled as a salad with lemon or vinegar dressing, au gratin, in soups, cooked with tomato sauce or even pickled!
Lately, it is becoming increasingly popular as pizza crust, instead of dough!
It has high nutritional value and plenty of health benefits! It is also perfect for people who are on a weight loss diet, since it has very few calories!
Cauliflower’s secrets
- We eat the white part of it, which is actually the plant’s flower!
- It comes from Eastern Mediterranean countries, and people also referred to it in ancient Greece and Egypt.
- It belongs to the same family of broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts!
- The less we cook it…the better, as it retains higher nutritional value!
….and cauliflower’s label!
Click the photo below, adjust its size, print it, use your scissors in order to cut the outline and stick this label on a wooden stick from an ice cream! Then put the stick in the soil next to the cauliflower you planted! This way, you will know which plant it is, especially when you plant and grow different plants at the same time!
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RADISH
A radish for the appetite, people say!
Plant label: common name Radish
Type (herb, bush, tree): Herb
Maximum height: 20 cm
Light preferences (shade, sun): Sun
Water requirements (little, a lot): Medium, about 1-2 times a week
Soil preferences (type): Plump potting soil
Flower colour: White or purple
Sowed in (month of the year): September- November
Cold tolerance (low- high): Medium
Heat tolerance (low – high): Low
RADISH SECRETS:
· Radishes have a strong taste and we eat them raw in salads.
· They occur in many varieties, depending on the size, color and time it takes them to ripen.
· They are known vegetables all over the world.
· They get ready to eat in 40-50 days from the time they are planted!
….and radish’s label!
Click the photo below, adjust its size, print it, use your scissors in order to cut the outline and stick this label on a wooden stick from an ice cream! Then put the stick in the soil next to the radish you planted! This way, you will know which plant it is, especially when you plant and grow different plants at the same time!
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SPRING ONION
One of the most popular vegetables of our kitchen, spring onion can be used in many different dishes and recipes, adding flavor to our food!
It has a pleasant taste, so it is often eaten raw in salads!
It is rich in fiber, minerals and vitamins, but low in calories, so it is ideal for those who watch their diet!
Plant label: common name Spring onion
Type (herbs, bushes, trees): Herbs
Maximum height: 40 – 50 cm
Light preferences (shade, sun): Sun
Water requirements (little, a lot): Some, small quantities every 4 – 5 days
Soil preferences (type): Soft, with a good drainage
Flower color: White, white – greenish and purple
Sowed in (month of the year): Year round
Cold tolerance (low- high): Low
Heat tolerance (low – high): Low, ideally it needs 15˚ C
Fresh onion’s secrets:
· It belongs to the same family as garlic and leek
· The underground part of the spring onion is called the bulb and it is basically the dry onion that we put very often in our food!
· It is very popular in Asia, where it is used in almost all recipes!
….and the spring onion’s label!
Click the photo below, adjust its size, print it, use your scissors in order to cut the outline and glue this label on a wooden stick from an ice cream! Then put the stick in the soil next to the spring onion you planted!
This way, you will know which plant it is, especially when you plant and grow different plants at the same time!
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POTATO
Fried, roasted or boiled, potatoes are one of the most favorite foods of everyone, young and old!
Plant label: common name Potato
Potato’s secrets:
- It belongs to the same family as tomatoes, eggplants and peppers
- Its first Greek name was geomilo meaning “apple of the earth”.
- Potatoes grow underground, in the soil, at the plant’s roots and are called tubers.
- Potatoes originate from Peru, where they were cultivated before 5.000 BC. In Greece, they were first imported by Ioannis Kapodistrias after the Greek Revolution of 1821
….and potato’s label!
Click the photo below, adjust its size, print it, use your scissors in order to cut the outline and stick this label on a wooden stick from an ice cream! Then put the stick in the soil next to the potato you planted! This way, you will know which plant it is, especially when you plant and grow different plants at the same time!
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ARUGULA
One of the most aromatic and spicy herbs, very popular in Mediterranean cuisine, especially in Italy!
It is eaten raw in salads or in cold sandwiches, on pizzas, or with pasta!
It has rich nutritional value, as it is rich in minerals, vitamins and plant fibers, while it has minimal calories!
Plant label: common name Arugula
Type (herbs, bushes, trees): Herb
Maximum height: 20 – 100 cm
Light preferences (shade, sun): Sun
Water requirements (little, a lot): Often and in small amounts
Soil preferences (type): Plump and rich in nutrients
Flower colour: White and yellowish
Sowed in (month of the year): September, October and November
Cold tolerance (low- high): Quite high, to -10˚C
Heat tolerance (low – high): Ideally it needs 15-25˚C
THE SECRETS OF ARUGULA
• Belongs to the same family, along with cabbage and broccoli
• It has many health benefits, such as anti-cancer, strengthens bones and boosts immunity
• In Roman times, arugula was used as a pain reliever
• On the island of Ischia in Naples, a digestive alcoholic drink “rucolino” is produced from arugula.
…AND THE ARUGULA TAG!
Click on the link below, adjust the size, print, cut the border with scissors and glue this paper tag on an ice cream stick! Place the stick in the soil of the arugula you just planted!
Place the stick in the soil of the arugula you just planted!
This way you will know which plant it is, especially later when you will grow many plants at the same time!
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FRESH HERBS
PARSLEY
Parsley is a herb that matches…with almost every dish, that’s why we call someone “parsley”, when one can be found and adapted in any environment!
Parsley is one of the most favorite herbs. We grow it in our garden, or our balcony. Its aromatic leaves are used in salads, pies and many more recipes, giving a special taste and aroma to a great number of dishes!
Plant label: common name Parsley
Type (herb, bush, tree) Herb
Maximum height 40 cm
Light preferences (shade, sun) Sun (shade in the summer)
Water requirements (little, a lot) Frequently and in small amounts
Soil preferences (type) Enriched
Flower colour Greenish- yellow
Sowed in (month of the year) January until September
Cold tolerance (low- high) High, resistant to frost
Heat tolerance (low – high) High, as long as the soil is moist
SECRETS OF PARSLEY:
. In ancient Greece it was called petroselino (stone celery)
· It is very high in iron (more than any other green vegetable) and contains vitamins A, B, C (3 times more vitamin C than an orange).
. It helps in the digestion process.
. The ancient Greeks used it as an aromatic herb but also as a medicine for various diseases, while the Roman gladiators always used it in their juices to gain strength.
…AND HERE IS THE PARSLEY LABEL!
Click on the photo below, adjust the size, print, Cut the border with scissors and Glue this paper tag on an ice cream stick!Place the stick in the soil of the lavender you just planted!
Place the stick in the soil of the parsley you just planted!
This way you will know which plant it is, especially later when you will grow many plants at the same time!
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