Sunflowers and nasturtiums. A happy coincidence of planning and self seeding…
The sunflowers
In the cut flower patch in the back garden, the sunflowers are now starting to bloom. I planted the seedlings out sometime around the end of May. Since then they’ve been subjected to intense heat followed by about two months of persistent rain and a distinct lack of sunshine. So to see the large buds finally burst open into flower has come of somewhat of a relief !
As it’s quite windy where I live, I planted some dwarf varieties of sunflowers- the ones you see in these pictures are called Beauty Paquito which range in colour from bright yellow to deep orange and grow to a height of approximately 50cm. They make a lovely cut flower for bud vases. I bought the seeds as part of a Sunflower Collection which you can buy here
Nasturtiums and Dill
In a happy coincidence, the nasturtiums and dill that were in the same spot last year have also self seeded , the seeds responding to the rain and giving me a new crop of flowers this summer. So I have ended up with a glorious mix of orange and yellows. It’s a little patch of sunshine, a bit chaotic and unplanned, but very much welcome in what has been strange summer weather. The patch attracts the pollinators too. I’ve seen bees snoozing in the sunflowers and darting in and out of the nasturtiums. Meanwhile, butterflies seem to like the soft yellow clusters of the dill which has grown to just under a metre in height. No surprise then that I’ve spotted some caterpillars too.
Elsewhere, the garden centre where I work has recently taken delivery of spring bulbs for 2024. I am already thinking about what to buy and whether I have, in fact, any room left for more pots ! Does anyone else have this dilemma ? For now though, I’ll just keep enjoying this little patch of sunshine while it lasts 🙂
Wishing you all a lovely week ahead,
Paula x
Useful Links
Other posts from Typewriter Girl to enjoy:-
I love these, so beautiful. We had to plant some more sunflowers because it was too hot for anything to survive out there with our constant temps. It doesn’t even cool down at night. At 8pm last night it was still 110F. But that’s Phoenix for you.
Wow…I can’t even begin to imagine what that must feel like. Maybe we could send you some rain and you could send us some sunshine !!!
It looks like a lovely place to spend some warm hours outside Paula.