Comments

1. 
   meander_michaele 10/04/2012

   Now, GPOD friends, don't jump all over me but I'm going to confess that I have never grown a sunflower...seeing Connie's super fun picture, I need to correct that! What a kick that must be to see that stalk growing taller and taller and then have that glorious flower start to unfold. I really enjoy the energy and exuberance of your garden, Connie.

2. 
   GardenerGM 10/04/2012

   Very pretty! I especially love the closeup of the sunflower.

3. 
   tractor1 10/04/2012

   I grow some mamouth sunflowers each year. Naturally I need to plant them behind a fence or the deer will eat them. In fact when I plant the seeds I need to place a chicken wire cage (quonset hut style) over the row or the birds will yank them out of the ground, crows love sunflower sprouts. I need to use the cage with several types of seeds; melon, winter squash, pumpkin, any of the larger seeds that people eat too. Once the seed heads have ripened I place them out for the birds, bluejays are the masters of sunflower seed eating. I've grown sunflowers with seed heads as large as trash can covers, a couple of bluejays can eat one clean within a few hours. The birds that would eat sunflower seeds can't get to them while they are still growing, the heads hang seed side down and with the sepals acting as a fence.

4. 
   annek 10/04/2012

   I assume that's you, Connie, next to that outstanding sunflower! What a great photograph, with the sun and building in the background and flowers reaching up to your waist. The perfect fall photo.

   What burgundy plant is that in the second picture in the second row? Amaranth? Fall colors are the best!!

5. 
   pattyspencer 10/04/2012

   I haven't had good luck with sunflowers over the past couple of years. Maybe because I tend to plant them where they don't get that much rain (and I'm terrible at remembering to water). After looking at your super tall one I think I will try again next season.

6. 
   cwheat000 10/04/2012

   I like the relaxed ,carefree abundance of your garden. If pictures speak a thousand words, I bet you are very much like your garden, easygoing and fun. Cool pumpkin ,too.

7. 
   cwheat000 10/04/2012

   Tractor1- I just looked at yesterday's comments again. That soup sounds great. You must have been speaking to me at the supermarket yesterday, because I came so close to buying barley for making a soup like that. I put the barley back because a small package was 3.99. But, I will find some more reasonably priced and make that recipe on my next supermarket trip. Thanks again.

8. 
   tractor1 10/05/2012

   cwheat000: I think I paid like $1.39 for a pound of barley. I keep my pantry filled with barley and all kinds of dried beans and such, I never know when the mood will strike me to cook a big pot of something. I don't know how to cook small amounts, I still cook like it's for the crew, I can cook for four hundred easier than for four.

   It rained all day but at about 5 PM the sun peeked out and I got a shot of my Kentucky coffee tree all golden, in the foreground is one of my gingkos that will soon be a lurid yellow.

9. 
   Joan_A 10/05/2012

   I was there, and it was even AFTER the frost, so it was minus all the brilliant colors - but still VERY impressive a place!!