Ever since I planted that first tiny Sunflower seed and witnessed the gigantic bloom that sprung from the ground in what seemed like overnight, I have been growing Sunflowers. Bees, flies, butterflies, hummingbirds, song birds, woodpeckers, chipmunks and squirrels - all enjoy our native Sunflower.
There are many annual varieties to choose from but I always make sure I choose the varieties that do produce pollen. I also grow perennial Sunflowers, Helianthus Microcephalus.
I let my Sunflowers stand over the winter. Birds relish the seeds. Woodpeckers will search for insects inside their stalks.
I cannot imagine a summer without growing at least one plot of annual Sunflowers.
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Didn't realise sunflowers came in such variety. Happy to see your choice endorsed by the bees. I've never grown sunflowers, but we eat kilos of the seeds ;~)
ReplyDeleteI miss sunflowers too! The squirrels ate the seedheads before the birds had a chance to get any :)
ReplyDeleteYou couldn't have picked a better flower to start off with on this cold, dreary January day. I grew annual sunflowers for the first time this past summer and couldn't believe how easy and wildlife pleasing they were, I'll definitely be planting more this summer.
ReplyDeleteI am with you...I grow both annual and perennial sunflowers...I leave mine up too but most have been totally decimated by the critters...so glad they enjoyed them too...Looking forward to the rest of your 12.
ReplyDeleteI agree...sunflowers are one of those plants I think we just can't help but loving...there is something so straightforward, cheerful and sincere about them :-)
ReplyDeleteI hate to admit I've never grown sunflowers. But I love the look of them, and I can remember once seeing an entire field of them. It was wonderful! I'm hoping to grow some this year. Thanks for the point about the pollen. I want the bees to enjoy them, too!
ReplyDeleteYour sunflowers brightened my day. Thanks
ReplyDeleteGee shucks Heather. Glad to add some fun & sun!
DeleteLove your January haiku Kathy and the cheery sunflowers. I wish the rabbits would let me grow them again. Lovely images!
ReplyDeleteOh my, I can just feel the sunshine and warmth in those sunflower photos. What a great antidote for January!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you've seen the Versatile Blogger award going around (or perhaps have already been so honored). Anyway, I've named you as one of my "versatile bloggers." You can learn more here: http://jeansgarden.wordpress.com/2012/01/29/versatility/
No Pressure on this; I am not offended at all if people choose to ignore these awards. -Jean
Thank you so much Jean! You are too kind, like sunshine.
DeleteYour blog has been chosen by me for the for the Versatile Blogger award. I think your blog is special. I have linked to you on my “ And the Award Goes to...” post. If you want to find out how this all works go to the post on Plants and Stones and click on Donna.
ReplyDeleteThank you Becky. It made my day that you nominated me and think of my blog as special. I'll be sure to visit and learn new things about you.
Deletedear Kathy, cheery, sunny, buzzy sunflowers, lovingly photographed and described. In best Elephant Eye tradition. cheers, catmint
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