Friday Feature - Sunflowers!!

It's almost summertime and the sunflowers know it!  If you're looking for a plant that will do wonders for your garden through the warm season, this is it.

The great thing about sunflowers is they can be grown from seed - easily!  Just remember, they are called SUNflowers for a reason, they love lots of sun.  The more sun, the bigger the flower, and the taller they grow.  Good watering is the other key component. 

I poke my seeds into the ground near a drip emitter, where they can be watered on a timer.  Another good spot is next to pots in the garden where seeds will thrive on residual watering.  

Against a block wall is a great location for sunflowers to stand out.  You can even plant them in a row next to a path or the sideway to create a living fence.   Whatever you try, you're sure to have some degree of success with sunflowers.  So go wild and enjoy the summer!

Brrrr!

The rain has been awesome, and now the sky is amazing! Saturday afternoon, my wife and I decided to get out and enjoy the beautiful day by taking a walk through the Desert Botanical Garden.

(Chuhuli yucca at DBG)

The rain had stopped, the streets were dry, and the sun was coming out. One thing we overlooked - the forecast! We arrived at the Garden and by the time we made it through the ticket booth we were freezing! It was 52* degrees and very breeze, with lots of clouds.

(Aloe pavillion at DBG)

Aloes were in bloom, gaillardia was spilling onto the paths, and birds chatting about. But it was cold!!!

(Wild Gaillardia at DBG)

So, we briskly made our way around the short loop hoping the fluffy clouds would spread out and let some sun shine through. No such luck. Maybe next weekend...