In the back of my new raised beds, I planted a row of sunflower seeds. They have grown like gangbusters.

I love looking out the kitchen window and seeing these cheerful flowers lining the view behind the zinnias and marigolds.  The summer vegetables are hidden in between.

Not sure why, but over the last couple of weeks many have tipped over.  Maybe not enough fertilizer to help grow strong roots, too close together, too windy or stormy?

 

 

But no matter, the flower heads keep facing the sun, despite the odd positions they find themselves in.

 

 

I staked some of them up so they didn’t lay on the ground.

At at least 10 ft tall, I had to get creative with this giant one.  It was too tall for any of my stakes, so I got it nice and tangled in the tree branches.

While the birds, chipmunks and squirrels have enjoyed the summer treat, I hope I have some heads left to put out this winter.