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"Sunflower Man" Living Art

I admit that I am a "sunflower nut". This year I was blessed to have so many reign over my gardens. Next year I plan to grow even more.

I dubbed this cluster of sunflowers "the sunflower man". It loomed over my deck and dominated my back yard since early July. The cluster is 2 plants, one single head, and one multiple wildflower variety. Ultimately it reached over 12 feet from the garden 4 feet below deck.

At one point it seemed to have a full set of features - eyes, nose, arms... It was way over my head in full bloom. One night I asked it if it was a "Sunflower God". I half expected it to come to life and talk to me. It may have been an evening I indulged in a Lemon Drop or 2.

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See my
Gardening Tips
on
Qassia

Thanks for Your Emails:
"Love your site & all your flowers! I can't imagine the time spent...don't know how you have time to give us all the info on your site! I don't know if you answer questions or not but I have one for you.

I am trying to grow sunflowers (mini mostly) for my nephews wedding in Sept. They are just starting to bloom(Aug). Should I be taking off that first top bloom? And if so do I let it bloom then take it off or take it off as a bud? I am hoping these are going to last til then. They are just starting to bloom. Thanks for any advice you can give!"

Julie in PA

->"I would leave the top bloom alone for now, but when the yellow petals drop, then cut it cleanly off above the next joint/bloom. In fact, by the end of Sept, you may need to cut a few off. This, of course, is assuming you have the "wild" sunflower with blooms on each branch. You should already see the secondary flower heads starting, if you have the wild type. ---- I hope you have the wild type, because the single head sunflower won't work. GOOD LUCK!"

-->"Thank you so much for replying & soooo fast! I do have the "wild" type & am seeing many secondary heads coming.

Once again...thanks for your advice. Keep your fingers crossed!"


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"Subject: I LOVE YOUR WEBSITE!

My sister Karen sent your website to me today. Alas, I have found another person whose home looks like a nursery!
See the pics she sent here.

Thanks for your hints! I have two grown daughters but my flowers are my "babies".

Emily

Thanks Again! -Karen