The Fleuroselect Home Garden Association has declared 2025 as the Year of the Begonia, a celebration that shines a spotlight on the enchanting beauty and versatile charm of this beloved flower. This initiative is designed to inspire and intrigue, raising awareness about the diverse types of begonias, their origins, and their widespread uses in gardens and homes worldwide.

TYPES OF BEGONIAS

Begonias come in diverse species and varieties, each offering unique beauty and appeal. The most common types include:

Tuberous Begonias (Begonia tuberhybrida)—These begonias are popular in hanging baskets and container gardens because they are known for their large, colorful blooms and ability to thrive in shady areas.

Fibrous Begonias (Begonia semperflorens)— or wax begonias, are characterized by their small, waxy leaves and continuous blooming throughout the growing season. They are often used as bedding plants.

Rhizomatous Begonias (Begonia rex-cultorum)—Valued for their striking foliage, multicolored or patterned, these begonias are commonly grown as houseplants.

Cane Begonias (Begonia coccinea)—Recognized by their tall, bamboo-like stems and clusters of flowers, cane begonias are often grown indoors and can reach impressive heights.

ORIGIN AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Begonias, with their roots in tropical and subtropical regions, have a rich history. Most species originated from South America, Central America, Africa, and Asia. The genus Begonia was first described by the French botanist Charles Plumier in the 17th century, and it is named in honor of Michel Bégon, a French patron of botany. This historical connection adds a layer of depth and interest to the world of begonias.

POPULAR USES OF BEGONIAS

Begonias remain prized for their versatility and aesthetic appeal. The most popular ways people use begonias include:

Ornamental Gardening—Begonias are a favorite for adding vibrant color and texture to gardens, particularly in shaded areas where other flowers might struggle in flower beds, borders, and ground cover.

Container Gardening—Ideal for patios, balconies, and indoor spaces, begonias thrive in pots and hanging baskets. Their diverse forms and colors make them a popular choice for container gardening.

Houseplants—Many begonias, especially those with ornamental foliage like rex begonias, are grown indoors. They add a touch of greenery and color to interior spaces, brightening rooms and improving air quality.

Fleuroselect Home Garden Association's Year of the Begonia will feature various events and initiatives aimed at promoting the cultivation and appreciation of begonias. Activities will include gardening workshops, floral exhibitions, and educational campaigns highlighting the care and propagation of begonias.

Africa

Jan

Bell—Let's Talk Day (CA): January 30

06:20 AM | -

Focused on mental illness, Bell—Let's Talk was created in 2010 to raise awareness about the millions of Canadians struggling with mental illness and remove the stigma of discussing it. Bell—Let's Talk is also a national fundraising event for Bell Canada and its work in mental health.

Africa

Jan

Belly Laugh Day, Global.: January 24

06:20 AM | -

On January 24 each year at 1:24 pm local time, people throw their arms up in the air and laugh as loud as they can in celebration of Global Belly Laugh Day. Ultimately, the goal of this day is to share the gift of laughter with everyone. Follow the Belly Laugh Bounce around the world clock here: http://www.bellylaughday.com/124laughbounce.html Global Belly Laugh Day was created in 2005 and was initially celebrated in 2006.

Africa

Jan

Berchtoldstag (CH)(1191): January 2

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Berchtoldstag celebrates the founding of Bern, Switzerland, in 1191 AD by Duke Berchtold V.

Africa

Jan

Big Wig Day, Ntl.: January 31

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The term 'big wig' originated in 1730s Europe. The wealthier you were, the larger the wig you wore. Large or big wigs were an outward sign of a rich, important person. Centuries later, the term would designate the boss, a VIP, or someone in authority. National Big Wig Day doesn't aspire to such august ambitions. It started as silliness in 2016 and as a way to brighten up a lackluster mid-winter day. It became a fundraiser for people struggling with cancer and enduring chemotherapy, as hair loss is a symptom. The best way to celebrate, sport your favorite wig today and go to the website for the event and choose a charity to donate to. Each year more charities join. Check the site for the most updated list.

Africa

Jan

Bird Day, Ntl.: January 5

06:20 AM | -

Each year for three weeks during the Christmas season, the world's wild bird population (over 9,600 species) is counted. Today nearly 12 percent of these species face extinction. Threats to bird populations include illegal pet trade, pollution, habitat loss, disease, solar panels, and other technological advances. The Christmas Count began in the early 2000s and is the longest-running citizen science survey in the world. National Bird Day occurs on January 5 each year to mark the conclusion of the Christmas count and bring the focus away from wild birds to those kept in captivity within the United States, most of which are pets and native to other countries. The ultimate goal of National Bird Day is to increase the survival rate and well-being of the world's birds through public education and support for conservation. This event first ran in 2002.

Africa

Jan

Birth Defects Prevention Month, Ntl.: January

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National Birth Defects Prevention Network sponsors National Birth Defects Prevention Month each year. See the consortium’s website for details on this year’s focus and to download materials and study aids.

Africa

Jan

Bittersweet Chocolate Day: January 10

06:20 AM | -

Dark chocolate in Europe, or bittersweet baker’s chocolate in the Americas, is a minimum of 35% pure cocoa with little or no sweetener added. Of all the chocolates in the world, dark chocolate is the most versatile and can be used in baking or eaten with wine and cheese.

Africa

Jan

Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo (US-SD): January 24 - February 1

06:20 AM | -

Riding competitions, livestock, and entertainment, the annual Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo is a bright spot in the otherwise harsh and cold Dakota winters. Initiated in 1958 to bring together the rural and urban communities of Rapid City, South Dakota, it continues to grow in popularity and importance. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

Jan

Black Nazarene Fiesta (PH): January 1-9

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Black Nazarene Fiesta is observed annually in Manila, Philippines. It culminates in a parade from the Quiapo Church featuring a life-size statue of the district’s patron saint, Black Nazarene. Fireworks, food, music, and an outpouring of culture are all part of this multi-day celebration.

Africa

Jan

Black Pound Day (UK): January 4

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Born in 2020 in the wake of the Black Lives Matter global protest, Black Pound Day in the United Kingdom is a monthly event occurring on the first Saturday of each month. The purpose is to ask consumers to support Black-owned businesses on this day by shopping at them or giving their patronage. Created by musician DJ Swiss.

Africa

Jan

Blonde Brownie Day, Ntl.: January 22

06:20 AM | -

National Blonde Brownie Day recognizes the blonde brownie, the first brownie ever included in a cookbook, The Boston Cooking-School Cookbook by Fanny Merrit Farmer, in 1896. This book changed the way American families cook. It was written in a teaching format rather than simply recipes. The day chosen for Blond Brownie Day may coincide with the book's release date. We are unable to confirm that. It was in 1898 that the words chocolate and brownie would finally appear together in an advertisement in the Kansas City Journal, and in 1899 before a chocolate brownie recipe would be published. Blonde brownies contain zero chocolate and are cookies baked in a pan and cut into rectangles. Today we often do this with chocolate chip cookie dough to shorten the time it takes to cook the cookies one sheet at a time. Technically, these pan chocolate chip cookies would be brownies. What differentiates a brownie from cookies and cake is the density of the finished product. Cookies tend to be flat and dense. Cake is high and light. Brownies are high and dense.

Africa

Jan

Blood Donor Month, Ntl.: January

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Each year the American Red Cross sponsors National Blood Donor Month to restock the nation's supply of blood. You don't need a particular reason to give blood. Some of us give blood because a friend asked us, and some know that a family member or a friend might need blood some day. Others believe it is the right thing to do. Whatever your reason, the need is constant, and your donation is vital for maintaining a healthy and reliable blood supply. You'll feel good knowing you've helped change a life!

Africa

Jan

Bloody Mary Day: January 1

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BLOODY MARY DAY

The 18th Amendment and the Russian Revolution are responsible for the favorite hangover cocktail cure, the Bloody Mary.

The 18th Amendment forced Americans who enjoyed libations overseas to find relief from Prohibition. Meanwhile, a revolution was in full swing on the other side of the world. People escaping Russia arrived in Europe with their favorite distilled spirit, and both groups of refugees converged in Paris.

During this time, Harry Mac Elhone built an authentic New York bar in Paris, complete with the original bar from the States. The French found this novelty delightful; Americans sought it out as a taste of home, and the Russians just wanted to have a good time.

Mac Elhone found vodka to be rather tasteless and bland. His bartender Ferdinand "Pet" Petiot, spent months fooling around with the liquor, attempting to make something novel. Then one day, he combined it with a tomato juice cocktail and spices. Bam! The Bloody Mary was born, except it was called Bucket of Blood. Then, the Red Snapper.

To get to the name Bloody Mary would require the end of Prohibition and a trip back to New York, specifically at the King Cole Bar in the St. Regis Hotel. Petiot was lured back by the Astors.

There are several stories about why the Red Snapper morphed into Bloody Mary. Some say it pays homage to Mary Tudor I of England, Queen Elizabeth I's half-sister, who was famous for killing Protestants. Or possibly after actor George Jessel's friend, Mary Geraghty. Or simply because it was easier to remember than Red Snapper and more appealing than a bucket of blood. However, the drink received its name. By 1946 the drink was thus called in print.

Bloody Mary Day falls on January 1 because on New Year's Eve, people tend to drink too much and thus need this hangover cure first thing in the morning.

Africa

Jan

Blueberry Pancake Day: January 28

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Blueberries are native to the United States, but they’ve only been part of the American diet for the past 100 years. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, low in calories, and blend well with several flavors, including oats, salads, and pancakes! Blueberry pancakes substitute blueberry syrup with whole blueberries for maple syrup, providing a feast for your senses in color, smell, and taste. Or, blueberries can be baked inside the pancake batter for a tart and sweet treat. Blueberry Pancake Day is your excuse to enjoy this all-American flapjack version of a breakfast favorite.

Africa