From Canvas to Garden: How Van Gogh's Sunflowers Inspired My Green Thumb

I have to admit—I was never really drawn to still-life paintings. But that all changed when I saw Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Something about those bright, joyful blooms bursting off the canvas completely changed my perspective. I was smitten. 

Sunflower on a lovely summer day at a friend's farm in TN

Van Gogh's artwork on a house in Mount Dora, Florida

Van Gogh's immersive art at the Dali Museum in St Pete, Florida

Dali Museum

That same vibrant energy came to life at the St. Pete Saturday Morning Market. The sunflowers there were so cheerful and radiant, it was impossible to walk by without smiling — or wanting to take a bunch home.

Saturday Morning Market

Feeling inspired, I decided to try growing my own sunflowers. I picked up a pack of Mammoth Russian seeds from the Dollar Store and planted a few in a large tub. A few weeks later, I was thrilled to see little seedlings pushing through the soil. When they finally bloomed, I was amazed - these sunny giants were absolutely stunning.  What a rewarding experience! Sunflowers are not only easy to grow, but truly breathtaking once they reach full height.

One year, I even documented the life cycle of a sunflower by taking a photo every day and turning it into a time-lapse video. At the end of the season, I carefully cut off the flower head and placed it in a paper bag to dry out for seeds. A perfect plan — until my well-meaning hubby unknowingly tossed the whole bag! 😢

This video below shows a butterfly on the sunflower. 

From my Florida garden

If you’re ever in the Tampa Bay area, I highly recommend spending time in downtown St. Pete. It's such a charming spot, filled with cozy restaurants, local art galleries, and museums. In fact, the city just had a Free Museum Day two Saturdays ago —and it was a great way to explore without spending a dime.

And don’t miss the Saturday Morning Market, which kicks off its season on October 4! There’s live music, friendly vendors, fresh produce, and that laid-back Florida vibe that makes it such a fun way to start the weekend.

And for all you beach lovers—you’re in luck! The stunning Gulf beaches are just minutes away, offering the perfect setting for sunbathing, shell collecting, a barefoot stroll along the shore, or simply soaking in one of Florida’s breathtaking sunsets.

Have you ever been inspired by art to try something new? 

Whether it’s planting flowers, picking up a paintbrush, or just pausing to appreciate the colors around you—I’d love to hear your story in the comments!

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday.

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