Sunflowers are like pancakes...

...the first one is never the best.

Mexican sunflower

Sunflower waiting to happen...

Unfurling

I love this stage in the flowering process. They look as if their Medusa-like sepals are being sucked by some invisible force. Resist little flower, resist!

If you plant sunflowers from seed and have a squirrel problem, be sure to cover them with some mesh that will still allow for light to come through or some other device (e.g., over sized recycled water bottles, or a recycled clear plastic jar...just be sure to add some holes for air circulation)...then all you have to do is find a comfy chair, sit, relax and enjoy the show.

NOTE: sunflowers resent very much being transplanted. I start mine in peat pots so that the roots won't be disturbed when I place them in their permanent home in the garden.

Cosmos

The simplest of flowers are usually my favorites. Last year I saved seeds from a little plant I had and this spring I scattered all over the garden (no digging, no nothing). They always make my day.

Herbicide Free Zone

One of the many rewards of using no herbicides in your garden is that you'll get free plants more often than you thought possible. This one will have to be transplanted because it made itself cozy in the area where we started placing recycled sidewalk chunks to make a little patio.

A brief appearance...

...just to post a few pics and a few quick comments (in a post below)...

In this photo: white geranium buds.

Aaaaaaaaah...can you smell the Spring breezes?

Tomato Underground

I cannot remember where I read or heard this...but it has worked thus far...I always plant Marigolds next to each tomato plant as it helps prevent the formation of nematodes by releasing a-terthienyl, which is a very toxic naturally-occurring compound. I call it cheap prevention.

Raised bed flowers

I planted daisies, edible chrysanthemums (amazing in salads), Mexican heather & alyssum to attract pollinators to the veg garden.

Aaah, the beauty of simple flowers

Lovely fuchsia

A perennial in colder climates, sadly, annual here in Central Florida. The hummers do appreciate them even if for a few months.

GOSSIPING

Nighty night!