types of sunflowers

Sunflowers are a tall, striking and vibrant plant and can grow over 15 feet high. Sunflowers are one of the most common flowers these days. They can be found in all dwarf sizes and enormous sizes as well. Native to North America and the state flower of Kansas, there are about 80 different species of sunflowers.
Though there are a number of different species of sunflowers, they are grouped into a few common types according to their characteristics. The following are some of the most common types of sunflowers:
- Vanilla Ice is the first type of sunflower which blooms in late summer and has creamy delicate petals that surround a dark chocolate center. These flowers grow around 5 to 6 feet tall and are attractive to bees, butterflies and birds.

  -Sunny smile is another very common dwarf sunflower which only grows around 12- 15 inches. It blooms during early summer and thrives even in poor or dry soil. The sunny smile sunflower is pollen free because of which it is great for indoor arrangements.
- The Choco Sun is another type of dwarf sunflower which blooms around 10 to 12 inches and is perfect for growing in small spaces. It is recognized by its yellow petals and chocolate brown center and blooms around the middle of summer.
- The Moonshadow sunflower blooms to around 4 feet during summer. It has white petals and a black center. The Moonshadow is also a pollen free flower and is best suited for indoor arrangements and bouquets.
- The Velvet Queen is a beautiful sunflower which can grow till around 6 feet. It is recognized by its delicate velvety petals found in a crimson or red shade. The Velvet Queen blooms during early summer.
- The Joker sunflower grows around 5 to 6 feet tall. This type of flower comes in shades of red, orange, brown and gold beautifully blended amongst each other and forms a vibrant and eye-catching result. The Joker is amongst one of the early sunflowers to bloom and is also pollen free.
- The Claret Hybrid is another striking sunflower which is found in a deep red shade and has a metallic sheen to it. This flower grows around 4 to 6 feet tall and blooms in the late summer time.
- One of the sunflowers with the largest blooms is the Russian Mammoth. It has large yellow petals with brown centers and can grow up to 10 feet tall. The Russian Mammoth blooms in between early and late summer.
- The Evening Sun is another sunflower found in alluring shades. These medium sizes flowers are found in shades of red, rust, brown, yellow or burgundy. They bloom in between the middle of summer and the middle of fall and can grow around 6 to 7 feet tall.
- Italian White sunflowers are unique type of sunflower recognized by its pale yellow or creamy color and brown center. They grow to around 4 to 6 feet tall and their blooms are around 4 to 6 inches wide. These sunflowers grow in between the middle of summer and late

The Montessori Approach to Education

Developed by Italian educator and doctor Maria Montessori, the Montessori model of education is based on respect for a child's natural psychological development. It's estimated that there are more than 20,000 Montessori schools worldwide, with students ranging from infant age to eighteen years of age. A Montessori education emphasizes a child's social development as much as his or her academic development, and it aims to help a child build independence and practical skills within a supportive framework which respects each student's individual growth rates. Students are looked at as whole individuals: the physical and the emotional are as important as their cognitive development.
Montessori schools for infants and toddlers have the primary focus of providing opportunities for children to develop motor skills, independence, and a love of learning. Teachers engage students with materials that are size and age-appropriate. The Montessori approach at this age also aims to develop toileting skills. Parents often participate with their youngsters in "parent-tot" classes at which the parent can help guide their child through a variety of age-appropriate activities.

As children grow into the preschool and kindergarten years (ages two and a half to six), the Montessori model engages them in activities which help them develop independence in a variety of practical pursuits. Mixed age classrooms allow children to help and learn from one another. Teachers provide manipulatives such as spoons and cups which help students develop confidence and practical skills. Students move freely and are often given the choice to engage in the activity which interests them most, allowing them to build a sense of freedom and personal empowerment. A focus on the development of the senses is also evident in a Montessori preschool classroom, as is engagement in art, music and language activities. Students' differences are respected and celebrated.

As students approach the elementary and middle school years (ages six to twelve), the Montessori curriculum is integrated to emphasize connections across all subject areas. Language, history, science, math, and the arts are all studied in hands-on, interconnected, project-oriented ways. Students learn through hands-on experiences and are actively engaged in investigation and research; they are not vessels to be "filled" with information. Students direct their own explorations, further emphasizing the development of their independence. Students also take learning outside of the classroom (sometimes referred to "going out" in Montessori) to engage in real-world investigations which build on what they learn in the classroom environment. The result is a confident, independent learner who is ready to succeed in high school and beyond.

Research on the Montessori model has shown that graduates of Montessori schools are prepared well for later life in an academic sense as well as socially and emotionally. Graduates score well on standardized tests and often receive above average rankings on criteria such as attentive listening, showing responsibility, and critical thinking. They are able to adapt to new situations and show a love and enthusiasm for learning.

Herb

Herbs are the culinary and medicinal plants. These are the low-growing aromatic plants which are used fresh or dried for seasoning, for their medicinal properties, or in perfumes. There are a wide variety of herbs such as super kelp, garlic, parsley, green tea extract, horse chestnut, milk thistle and oregano oil.

Herbs are very useful in strengthening the body and in treating the diseases. However they contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. So, they should be taken on the advice of an herbal practitioner.

Super Kelp
Super kelp (also known as “Sea kelp” and “Sea wrack”) is a sea herb that is one of the best sources of natural iodine and trace elements. It is also used as the principle agent in cures for obesity. In addition, it cleans out the kidneys and stimulates the thyroid and pituitary gland to produce growth hormones.

Garlic
Garlic is a natural anti-biotic and is used to disinfect wounds, treat ear infections, cholera and typhus. This herb is anti-fungal and anti-oxidant agent and can help lower cholesterol. It may also be beneficial for risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and cancer. The excess of garlic can cause upset stomach/flatulence, occupational asthma, postoperative bleeding, bloating, bad breath, body odor, and skin irritation. People with bleeding disorders should not use garlic.

Parsley
Parsley (Petroselinum) is one of the best known, diuretic and most nutritious herbs which contain large quantities of vitamins A, B, C and minerals calcium, iron, phosphorous, potassium and magnesium. It’s very useful for kidney and urinary problems and water retention. Its usefulness can be judged by the saying: “if parsley is thrown into fishponds it will heal the sick fishes therein”.

Green Tea Extract
Green tea extracts are one of the nature’s most powerful anti-oxidants.  It helps prevent both heart disease and cancer by helping prevent vascular blood clotting and reducing cholesterol. It possesses antimicrobial properties that support immune-system health and protects against digestive and respiratory infections. The excess of green tea extracts may cause irritability, insomnia, heart palpitation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and loss of appetite.

Horse chestnut
Horse chestnut supports the vessels of our circulatory system and helps strengthen capillary cells and reduce fluid breakage. It is believed to be an excellent antioxidant to prevent wrinkles. It also helps in the treatments of phlebitis, varicosity and hemorrhoids.

Milk Thistle
Milk thistle has some active substances that helps maintain healthy liver function by protecting the liver from damage caused by viruses, toxins and alcohol. It is a herbal remedy for anthrax, asthma, bladder stones, cancer, catarrh, chest ailments, dropsy, fever, bleeding from the lungs or bronchia, hepatitis, rabies, jaundice, vaginal discharge, malaria, melancholy, piles, plague, pleurisy, spasms, and spleen and uterus problems. Taking excess of milk thistle may cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, rash or other skin reactions, joint pain, impotence, and anaphylaxis. It should not be taken in pregnancy and while nursing.

Oregano Oil
This herb has healing, antioxidant and anti-microbial properties. It is used to treat a mildly upset stomach, bronchitis, nervous tension, insect bites, rheumatism, earache, toothaches and even athlete’s foot. It is also useful in relieve bloating, gas, urinary tract problems, rheumatoid arthritis, swollen glands, and lack of perspiration. In addition, it is as powerful as ‘morphine’ as a pain killer.