From Tuscany and Provence to the Biltmore Estate, to the Triad, and the rest of the sunflower-growing world, sunflowers exude warmth and happiness. The above sunflower was photographed on a front lawn on Joyner Street in College Hill. As you can see, it has not yet gone to seed. Once the center pod turns to seed, you know summer is fleeting. Right now, the heads of the sunflowers on Joyner Street are still perky and perfectly formed. As they mature, they will droop to protect the seeds from the elements. Eventually, they will turn brown and dry out, but the seeds will be tasty.
If you go to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, you will see a field of sunflowers, a contrast from the formal gardens. Biltmore has over 100 acres dedicated as a wildlife food plot and the sunflower garden is a large part of that garden. Bumblebees, songbirds and doves are especially attracted to sunflowers. If you plant sunflowers in your yard, you will bring so much joy to not only wildlife but to people like us, who walk around looking for signs of Greensboro's seasonal beauty. If you get a chance, drive around the block from South Mendenhall and Joyner Street and see some beautiful old homes and nice flower gardens. This sunflower will be waiting for you (and the birds)! Happy Friday!
Beautiful!
They're coming into bloom here now.
Posted by: William Kendall | Friday, July 28, 2017 at 11:49 AM