Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Sunflowers


September for me is the month of sunflowers, although they have been in my yard the entire month of August and most of them are way past their prime. However, they are still here providing food for birds, and they will do so well into fall.


I love how even the smallest sunflower shows its delicate pattern. And no matter the size of the flower, the bees go crazy over them.


Sunflowers make me happy - their bright colors, their different sizes. Even on a cloudy day they bring some sun into the garden - as their name so appropriately suggests.


The insects - bees, wasps, flies, butterflies - sure love them!


I had planted over a hundred sunflower seeds in both my back and front yards. However, the flowers in the front didn't stand a chance; both the raccoon and the deer devoured them with gusto!! Not even a single one could grow. The deer probably thought how thoughtful is was of me to provide them with such delicious salad! Lesson learnt.



But the sunflower seeds in the backyard made it - I have had all kinds of them, big ones, small ones, tall ones, short ones, yellow ones, yellow ones with a little bit of red - but my favorites are the red ones!





And even when they are past flowering, the seed heads are impressive. I usually leave them to the birds - I love to watch them flying to and fro and picking at the seeds.


Did you have any sunflowers in your garden this summer?


13 comments:

Faye said...

These are awesome sunflower photos, Carola.

LONDONLULU said...

One of my favorite flowers! I also love their cheery color and you caught some beauties - I hope they last a long time:)

GlorV1 said...

What awesome shots Carola. Just excellent. Thanks.
gloria

Maria Ontiveros said...

I love the yellow ones best, I think! I had never noticed the intricate pattern in the center before.
Thanks for sharing,
Rinda

Elephant's Child said...

Love the red ones - and will track them down. The birds that visit us adore sunflower seeds, and there are always a few stragglers growing from seeds that have been overlooked. No red ones though. Yet.

Seraphinas Phantasie said...

Wunderschöne Fotos von Deinen Sonnenblumen. Ich ziehe jedes Jahr so um die 10 Sonnenblumen auf meinem Balkon. Sie werden selbst im Balkonkasten über 2m groß und blühen phantastisch.
Viele liebe Grüße Synnöve

Deb@threeisacharm said...

Your photos of your sunflowers are stunning!

Sally H said...

Oh wow, Carola! Stunning photos! We have a gorgeous row of sunflowers outside our classroom at the moment x

patty said...

None on our property, but plenty in the neighborhood. I never know when I will spot one! You have really brought out the best of them here.... they're just so, well, sunny!!

KB said...

I love the red ones best too! I've never seen red ones before. Your close-ups are incredible, showing the intricate pattern within the flower. I can see that they must brighten up every day!

We're not able to grow sunflowers here. We live so high in the mountains that it's not possible.

gina said...

Oh, so many great shots of the beautiful sunflower! I adore the "profile" image with the bee -- wonderful capture, Carola. I planted several sunflowers this year in my new garden and they are so tall and gangly -- going way past the fence so the neighbors enjoy them too. I do like the red ones so much.

Darla said...

What amazing photo's. They would make a wonderful set of cards. No sunflowers in our yard this year although we have grown them in the past. I miss them, will have to remember to put some in next year.

Darla

Unknown said...

Beautiful photos; you've captured their sunny beauty.
I didn't grow any sunflowers, but luckily for me, my daughter-in-law did.