Latest news with #Zinnia
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
NASA proves growing plants in space is key to healthy astronaut life on Mars missions and deep space travel
The idea of growing plants in space once sounded like a far-off dream, but modern scientific advancements have brought it closer to reality. This achievement is not only about enjoying the sight of greenery in a weightless environment but also about ensuring survival, maintaining astronaut mental health , and supporting future deep space missions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Fresh vegetables in space could reduce dependency on pre-packaged food, recycle air and water, and offer emotional comfort during long-duration journeys to Mars or beyond. These experiments lay the groundwork for sustainable life-support systems essential for deep space exploration . Why growing plants in space is important Space travel involves extreme isolation and limited resources. Currently, astronauts rely on vacuum-packed and freeze-dried meals, which lack freshness and can lose nutritional value over time. Growing plants on spacecraft or space stations offers multiple benefits: Nutritional value: Fresh vegetables retain essential vitamins and minerals lost during food processing. Psychological comfort: Caring for plants and witnessing natural growth provides a sense of home and stress relief Life-support role: Plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and can help purify water, contributing to a closed-loop life-support system. NASA's Veggie project overcomes challenges to bloom a Zinnia aboard the ISS In 2016, NASA astronaut Scott Kelly posted an image of a blooming zinnia aboard the International Space Station (ISS), calling it the 'first flower grown in space.' This was a breakthrough moment as it symbolized humanity's ability to grow complex plants beyond Earth. However, the journey to that bloom wasn't easy. The zinnias initially faced mold growth and were on the verge of dying. By following modified care instructions from NASA scientists and Kelly's careful attention—his 'green thumb'—the plants recovered and successfully bloomed. This experiment was part of NASA's Veggie project, which focuses on growing food in microgravity. Earlier attempts at growing flowers in space While Kelly's zinnias were celebrated worldwide, they were not technically the first flowers grown in space. There have been several earlier milestones: 2012 – Don Pettit's sunflower experiment: Astronaut Don Pettit cultivated a sunflower aboard the ISS using improvised containers and documented its journey in his blog Diary of a Space Zucchini. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 1990s – Wheat growth on Mir Station: Russian cosmonauts grew dwarf wheat aboard the Mir space station, demonstrating flowering in microgravity conditions. 1982 – Arabidopsis on Salyut 7: The Soviet crew successfully grew Arabidopsis, a small flowering plant, which Guinness World Records recognizes as the first plant to bloom and produce seeds in space. 1966 – Cosmos 110 Bean experiment: Even earlier, the uncrewed Soviet Cosmos 110 mission germinated and bloomed beans, which astonishingly grew almost twice as fast as on Earth. NASA's Veggie experiment: Pioneering growing plants in space NASA's Veggie experiment was developed to explore food production in space for long-duration missions. Initially, it focused on lettuce, later expanding to zinnias and eventually targeting tomatoes and other crops. Growing food in orbit is not just about nutrition but also about sustainability, reducing dependence on supply missions from Earth. In the future, space farming systems could become standard on missions to Mars or permanent lunar bases, providing astronauts with fresh food, cleaner air, and improved psychological well-being. Also Read |
Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Seven flowers that are so easy to grow they can be planted in any conditions
If you're new to gardening or simply want to take a break from high-maintenance plants, the following seven flowers are basically fool-proof and will thrive virtually anywhere Summer is upon us, and it's the perfect time to plant some f l owers to spruce up your garden. But remember, it's not just about what looks most appealing - budding gardeners need to consider the specific needs of their plants, ensuring they are placed in an environment that encourages growth. For example, hostas will burn under the midday sun, so it would be inappropriate to use a full-sun garden bed, while hydrangeas don't like rain gardens. But don't worry, as there are at least seven flowers that will thrive if you plant them pretty much anywhere, whether in clay soil or beneath a tree, they will all but grow all by themselves. 1. Zinnia A robust annual, zinnias (Zinnia) are versatile bloomers that can flourish in a variety of soils and conditions, though they do prefer basking in full sun and may not fare as well in shaded spots. Expect a riot of daisy-like, multicoloured blooms in every shade under the sun, from vivid yellows to pinks. They can tower anywhere between six to 48 inches and spread 12 to 18 inches wide, with a preference for well-drained soils. 2. Purple coneflower The hardy purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is another trooper, able to withstand drought, clay soil, heat, humidity, and even a smattering of shade, making it a top pick for pollinators like bees, butterflies and other insects. It's a perennial plant. According to birds will happily peck at the seed heads during winter. The only conditions this purple beauty can't handle are deep shade and waterlogged soil. They can stretch 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 18 to 24 inches wide, thriving in anything from full sun to partial shade and most well-drained soils, as per the Express. 3. Whorled tickseed Don't be fooled by the dainty, smaller blooms of the whorled tickseed (Coreopsis verticillate) – it's a tough cookie. Its clusters of daisy-shaped flowers radiate gold and yellow, and it can endure heat and poor soils, and a touch of light shade. However, steer clear of deep shade and waterlogged soils, as it can lead to root rot. It will grow 12 to 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide and thrives in full sun and average, dry soils. 4. French marigolds French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are another adaptable flower that can thrive in various soil conditions and either full sun or partial shade. They can be planted just about anywhere. They're wind and drought-resistant and pair well with vegetable patches as they keep certain pests, like nematodes, at bay. They'll sprout to a height of six to 12 inches and spread six to 10 inches wide. This perennial doesn't require deadheading and features striking purple blooms and upright leafy stems. 5. Blazing star The Blazing star (Liatris spicata) is hardy enough to withstand poor soil conditions, heat, and humidity, and is low-maintenance. It's not prone to serious disease or pest issues. This perennial never needs deadheading and boasts spiking purple flowers and upright leafy stalks. It'll reach a height of two to four feet and a width of one to two feet. 6. Blanket flower Sporting daisy-like blossoms, the native blanket flower (Gaillardia aristata) will add a splash of red and yellow to your garden. It's a long-blooming perennial that thrives in heat and drought, and can cope with poor soils, such as sandy soils. However, it's best to steer clear of humid areas and wet clay. It grows eight to 12 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide, flourishing in full sun and average soil conditions. 7. Cosmos The saucer-shaped disk flower cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) is characterised by its delightful, saucer-shaped disk flowers that thrive in a range of conditions, favouring average soil. They're rarely affected by diseases or insects. It can grow from one to four feet tall and two to three feet wide, and does well in full sun to partial shade.
Scotsman
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Gravity Beer Festival celebrates partnership of creativity with Summerhall Arts
Gravity Beer Festival, one of Scotland's most anticipated craft beer events, has launched its 2025 event with a renewed commitment to creativity, independent brewing and the artistry of beer-making. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... This year, Gravity is proud to deepen its partnership with Summerhall Arts, Edinburgh's vibrant cultural hub, as it returns to the Dissection Room of Summerhall on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th September. Held on the grounds of Summerhall since its launch in 2023, Gravity 2025 will spotlight the cutting-edge of craft in beer-making from across the UK and beyond. Welcoming 14 of the UK's best craft breweries and cider maker; festivalgoers will be able to explore and enjoy a curated line-up of exceptional beers, experimental brews, and exclusive festival-only pours. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The connection between Gravity Beer Festival and Summerhall goes beyond the festival dates. The newly appointed Summerhall Arts was set up to support the arts and authentic craft, and Gravity Beer Festival is an integral part of that. Barney's Beer, the team behind Gravity, have their year-round home at the historic Summerhall Brewery which was first established on the site in 1705. It is this setting and cultural influence that is the inspiration behind Gravity Beer Festival. Acrobats Eric and Zinnia defy gravity at Barney's Beer to announce Gravity Beer Festival 2025. Andrew Barnett, aka Barney, Founder, Gravity Beer Festival said: 'Gravity has always been about more than just beer. It's about craft in every sense of the word. By partnering with Summerhall, Gravity is creating an event that feels as much like a cultural happening as it does a celebration of craft beer. "The partnership reflects our shared belief in supporting independent makers and providing a platform for boundary breaking ideas. We're thrilled to strengthen that collaboration with Summerhall Arts this year, a space that shares our ethos of innovation, creativity, and independent spirit.' Sam Gough, Chief Executive of Summerhall Arts added: 'At Summerhall Arts, we're passionate about championing artisanal craft and authentic makers, so we're thrilled to welcome Gravity Beer Festival back this year. Founded by our long-time collaborators and neighbours at Barney's Beer, the festival reflects a shared spirit of creativity and community. It's set to be a vibrant celebration right here on our doorstep.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gravity Beer Festival will take place on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th September. Tickets cost £39.50 and cover beer and events during your selected session - no tokens, just drinks! To book your tickets and to view the full line-up of breweries for 2025, visit
Scotsman
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Gravity Beer Festival celebrates partnership of creativity with Summerhall Arts
Gravity Beer Festival, one of Scotland's most anticipated craft beer events, has launched its 2025 event with a renewed commitment to creativity, independent brewing and the artistry of beer-making. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... This year, Gravity is proud to deepen its partnership with Summerhall Arts, Edinburgh's vibrant cultural hub, as it returns to the Dissection Room of Summerhall on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th September. Held on the grounds of Summerhall since its launch in 2023, Gravity 2025 will spotlight the cutting-edge of craft in beer-making from across the UK and beyond. Welcoming 14 of the UK's best craft breweries and cider maker; festivalgoers will be able to explore and enjoy a curated line-up of exceptional beers, experimental brews, and exclusive festival-only pours. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The connection between Gravity Beer Festival and Summerhall goes beyond the festival dates. The newly appointed Summerhall Arts was set up to support the arts and authentic craft, and Gravity Beer Festival is an integral part of that. Barney's Beer, the team behind Gravity, have their year-round home at the historic Summerhall Brewery which was first established on the site in 1705. It is this setting and cultural influence that is the inspiration behind Gravity Beer Festival. Acrobats Eric and Zinnia defy gravity at Barney's Beer to announce Gravity Beer Festival 2025. Andrew Barnett, aka Barney, Founder, Gravity Beer Festival said: 'Gravity has always been about more than just beer. It's about craft in every sense of the word. By partnering with Summerhall, Gravity is creating an event that feels as much like a cultural happening as it does a celebration of craft beer. "The partnership reflects our shared belief in supporting independent makers and providing a platform for boundary breaking ideas. We're thrilled to strengthen that collaboration with Summerhall Arts this year, a space that shares our ethos of innovation, creativity, and independent spirit.' Sam Gough, Chief Executive of Summerhall Arts added: 'At Summerhall Arts, we're passionate about championing artisanal craft and authentic makers, so we're thrilled to welcome Gravity Beer Festival back this year. Founded by our long-time collaborators and neighbours at Barney's Beer, the festival reflects a shared spirit of creativity and community. It's set to be a vibrant celebration right here on our doorstep.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gravity Beer Festival will take place on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th September. Tickets cost £39.50 and cover beer and events during your selected session - no tokens, just drinks!
India.com
24-06-2025
- Climate
- India.com
Garden Stars Of Summer And Monsoon: 10 Tough Flowers That Bloom Through Heat And Rain
photoDetails english 2921254 Updated:Jun 24, 2025, 01:59 PM IST Portulaca (Moss Rose) 1 / 10 Portulaca (Moss Rose) It blooms full summer through early monsoon. Colors are bright like pink, red, orange, yellow, white. Moss rose needs full sun and sandy, dry soil. Water sparingly, it is ideal for dry days between rains. Also great for rock gardens and hanging baskets. Balsam (Impatiens balsamina) 2 / 10 Balsam (Impatiens balsamina) Its bloom time is that it especially flourishes during the monsoon. Colors are purple, pink, red, white. It needs moist, well-draining soil and indirect to partial sunlight. Sow seeds just before monsoon for full-season bloom. It is a excellent choice for shaded balconies and monsoon gardens. Zinnia 3 / 10 Zinnia Its bloom time is late spring through summer into early monsoon. Colors are wide range like red, yellow, orange, purple, pink, white. Zinnia loves direct sunlight and well-drained soil. It keep foliage dry during monsoon to prevent mildew and attracts pollinators also perfect for flower beds and borders. Periwinkle (Vinca rosea) 4 / 10 Periwinkle (Vinca rosea) Its bloom time is that it continuous blooming throughout hot and rainy weather. Colors are pink, white, purple, lavender. Periwinkle is low-maintenance and prefers sun to partial shade. It tolerates drought and humidity very well. It is great ground cover plant and can self-seed and regrow annually. Marigold (Tagetes) 5 / 10 Marigold (Tagetes) Its bloom time is nearly year-round in warm climates and peaks in summer & monsoon. Colors are orange, yellow, golden, rust. Marigold thrives in full sun and tolerates monsoon moisture. It deadhead spent blooms to encourage fresh flowering. It is a natural pest repellent and it is ideal for borders, pots, or religious use. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) 6 / 10 Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) It blooms all time, all summer and into the monsoon. Colors are red, yellow, pink, white, orange. Hibiscus needs 6–8 hours of sunlight. Water it regularly but ensure good drainage to avoid root rot in rains. It is great for hedges or potted plants. It attracts butterflies and bees and also has medicinal uses in Ayurveda. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) 7 / 10 Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) It blooms from spring to late monsoon. Colors are fiery shades of red, orange, yellow. It prefers sunny, hot conditions and can tolerates moderate rainfall if planted in well-draining soil. It is a long-lasting cut flower and adds bold color to any bed. Cosmos 8 / 10 Cosmos Bloom Time is early summer until the end of monsoon. Colors are pink, white, orange, red. It needs full sun, tolerates some wet weather. Avoid rich soil and thrives in moderately fertile ground. It is excellent for wildflower gardens and attracts beneficial insects. Rain Lily (Zephyranthes) 9 / 10 Rain Lily (Zephyranthes) Bloom time is after the first few monsoon showers, hence the name. Colors are pink, white, yellow. This plant bulbs before monsoon and requires minimal care and blooms naturally after rain. It looks beautiful in clusters or borders and is resilient and quick-blooming. Torenia (Wishbone Flower) 10 / 10 Torenia (Wishbone Flower) Blooms and thrives in the rainy season and tolerates humid heat. Colors are blue, violet, pink, white. It grows well in partial shade and moist soil. Avoid waterlogging it and protect from slugs/snails. It is delicate, shade-loving blooms perfect for monsoon containers.
