Last year we grew sunflowers from heirloom seeds. We had the idea of harvesting the sunflower seeds; roasting them & enjoying the fruit of our labor.
The sunflowers thrived.
They grew to 8 feet tall. In fact, they had to be supported with twine and stakes. They were "scary big."
As summer gave way to Autumn, their huge heads drooped heavily with seeds.
Every week or so we'd check.
No mature seeds....
Well, that's not exactly correct. No mature seeds for US. The birds were having a feast! I guess they were eating the seeds before we got up b/c I didn't see any winged friends helping themselves or I would have made a scare crow or place tin pie pans around to scare the little "moochers!" This year we bought our sunflowers seeds & I have a greater appreciation for the farmers.
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This year I bought two sunflower plants and put them in my garden. After about a month, they were well on their way, and about 3 1/2 feet tall. One day I went out and both of them were laying on the ground. Apparently the squirrels had gotten wind of the developing seeds and tried to climb the tall stems. I was able to stake one of them up, but the other was destroyed. A couple of months later, the bloom was dried and the seeds making a pretty design. I cut off about 18 inches of stem and tied it around the arbor where the birds could find and eat the seeds. I never saw the seeds again, or the stem - apparently the squirrels stole it! I really despise those glorified rats! :o)
Ladies, what great stories... There are deer that wonder on to our property. Is there any suggestions for keeping them away during the blooming seasons?
Kim, I know some guys here that in deer season, could "help" you with your problem. Otherwise, I try to look for plants that say they are deer resistant.
Life At Camellia, I am so with you on squirrels. They are pests.
thank you for coming to my blog and leaving a comment. When we were in NC at the Biltmore Estate I took many photographs of sunflowers in a field. I’ll include them in a future post. If you have ever watched the Tour de France you will see the cyclists ride in front of many sunflower fields as they use the oil from the flowers a lot there. It’s called “tournesol” and for the oil “huile de tournesol.”
HI Janean
The circle of life! and the 'moochers' came out the winner.. hehe I've had a similar problem here in Sydney but with Cockatoos! They like to behead the potted plants on my balcony and that is 'just for fun'. Crazy kids! haha
Well I love you banner photo.It's just beautiful and very welcoming. Thanks for popping over my way. Always lovely to have new visitors. x Julie
That is one of the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen. So gorgeous.
Here is the woods of Pendergrass Georgia, the deer, bunnies and birds are faithful to eat the fruit of any thing we try to grow long before we ever see it! The deer have become quite brave here... they walk right up to our living room windows to help themselves to our bright yellow day lilies. If I wasn't such an animal lover, I would take up hunting!!
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