Peter Dowdall: The history and heritage of the sunflower

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions

Helianthus annus is an annual plant, grown primarily for food production. It is a statement that will mean little or nothing to most people but when I call it by its common name, the sunflower, everyone smiles.

It’s impossible not to, when you think of the stunningly beautiful golden blooms, standing proud in the sunshine.