My DIY Garden of Sunflowers at 72 Days

It has been 72 days since I planted all those harvested sunflower seeds in my second DIY garden of sunflowers. Those 72 days have encompassed a lot of hours of my time tending to my sunflower garden. Early on, I spent 21 consecutive days covering my emerging seedlings to protect them from digging critters.

Looking out from my home office window, I am thankful of all the time I spent nurturing that garden.

My Second DIY Garden of Sunflowers at 72 Days ~ JaguarJulie
View out my Home Office Window
Photo Taken: May 25, 2014

From my home office, I can see a number of the beautiful sunflower blossoms. Pretty soon, I expect to see a lot more sunshine as all the plants are with buds. Some of the taller plants have multiple buds up and down the stem.

SUNFLOWER PLANTS OVER SIX FOOT

Ten days ago, at the 62nd day measurement of sunflower plant height, I reported three plants had attained 59 inches in height.

My Second DIY Garden of Sunflowers at 72 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: May 25, 2014

Today, I measured one sunflower plant at 78 inches. That is nearly 20 inches of growth in 10 days; wow, 2 inches per day!! Remarkable. You can see that the plants have been getting a lot of water because the leaves near the bottom of the stems are yellow. I have been watering them more recently because I did a second treatment of Kgro All-Purpose 24-8-16 Water Soluble Plant Food. I originally did my first plant food treatment on the 42nd day.

My Second DIY Garden of Sunflowers at 72 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: May 25, 2014

CHARTING THE PLANT GROWTH

1. 23 days - 6 inches wide by 7 inches across by 6 inches tall = 0.5 ft.
2. 30 days - 9 inches wide by 10 inches across by 12 inches tall = 1 ft.
3. 37 days - 11 inches wide by 13 inches across by 18 inches tall = 1.5 ft.
4. 42 days - 24 inches tall = 2 ft.
5. 51 days - 38 inches tall = 3 ft. 2 in.
6. 56 days - 49 inches tall = 4 ft. 1 in.
7. 62 days - 3 plants at 59 inches tall = 4 ft. 11 in.
8. 65 days - 2 plants at 63 inches; 1 plant at 66 inches tall = 5 ft. 6 in.
9. 70 days - 2 plants at 73 inches; 3 plants at 74 inches = 6 ft. 2 in.
10. 72 days - 9 plants over 72 inches; 1 plant at 78 inches tall  = 6 ft. 6 in.

My Second DIY Garden of Sunflowers at 72 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: May 25, 2014

SUNFLOWER POSTAGE

I think a neat part-time opportunity would be to design postage stamps for the United States Post Office! Hey, wait! I believe I already did that in my Zazzle shop.

BACKYARD GARDENER CONTRIBUTOR AT SQUIDOO

You might have already heard that on May 4th, I became the Backyard Gardener Contributor at Squidoo! This time of year, I am pretty immersed in my backyard gardens and particularly in my sunflower garden. That means, I don't have a lot of discretionary time for my writing. That's OK! I'd really rather be working that green thumb of mine out in the garden than at the keyboard.

My mom keeps asking me why I haven't been contacted to work for some large Home and Garden company to help them in their online presence. Because I have been a sort of brand ambassador for Burpee Gardens, always promoting Burpee Sunflower Seeds, I was thinking that would be a great company with which to work!

BLONDES THAT DIY

Another niche that I have launched is Blondes that DIY -- you know, blondes that do-it-yourself? Living in Jacksonville, Florida has allowed me to seriously explore that niche. And, more so lately since I am a single senior gal. Since my divorce in November 2010, I've found that I seriously NEED to learn how to DIY more things around the house. And, you know what? I have surprised myself along the way.

Are you a blonde that can seriously DIY? Hey, let's hear from you! Don't be shy.

Blown Away by all the Buds

Folks, I apologize for the catchy post title; however, that is the TRUTH! I have been watching one of my tall sunflower plants for a few days. It was maybe two days ago that I noticed something different from the other plants. This plant had a spectacular bud on top. But, it also had the little buds emerging along the stem of the plant. Take a look for yourself.

Sunflower Plant with Multiple Buds on Stem ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: May 15, 2014

Here is another view of the multiple budded sunflower plant!

Sunflower Plant with Multiple Buds on Stem ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: May 15, 2014

I find this so exciting ... that you will be seeing a sunflower blossom on top ... and along the stem! Hopefully, the weight of all those blossoms will help to steady the plant. Some of those heads can get to be quite heavy. I'll have to refresh my mind on my largest head from the 2013 sunflower garden. Hold on, while I check!

... OK, I'm back! I found in my June 9, 2013 blog post about harvesting seeds from the heads that I had a weight of 4.5 ounces on one of the heads and that my largest head actually weighed 8 ounces! Many of the sunflower heads were measuring in at around 4 ounces or more! So, doing the math, that stem could be supporting a pound or two! Holy smokes.

We are going to be keeping an eye on this particular sunflower plant. Check back in to see what develops. And, why not plant your own sunflower seeds and see what develops?? I'd love to see YOUR pictures!

My DIY Garden of Sunflowers at 62 Days

Reflecting back on some two months, it is incredible to see the growth in my second DIY garden of sunflowers! Take a look at the garden view you have grown accustomed to seeing!

My Second DIY Garden of Sunflowers at 62 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: May 15, 2014

I just took a break and went outside to get a measurement on plant height. I have three plants at 59 inches! That's nearly 5 ft. How about that? Fifty-nine inches at 62 days ... I wonder what will be the magic number when the height matches the days? Maybe 70??

My Second DIY Garden of Sunflowers at 62 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: May 15, 2014

There's that second view of the sunflower garden, a side view from my daisy garden. For some reason, those sunflower plants look taller!! And, one last view! It is the other side.

My Second DIY Garden of Sunflowers at 62 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: May 15, 2014

When you compare this growth to the first couple of pictures of this year's garden, you really see the difference! Then, when you compare it to last year's garden, you see the difference in amount of plants.

I was concerned that my sunflower plants were too close together; however, I think it might be a good thing. You see, yesterday we had a lot of windy weather. All the sunflowers were blowing to the West. Last year, when we had similar weather, some of the plants were bent over. This year, because of all the plants, they seem to be supporting each other with the wind, and cushioning the blows, so to speak.

I think it is a good thing to have so many plants. Sure, some of the plants are being shielded from the sun ... but, that's OK! I have plenty of taller sunflower plants with some spectacular buds!

WHY NOT GROW YOUR OWN?

Have I convinced you to want and try your own sunflower garden from seed? I am telling you that I am forever changed by a couple of packets of Burpee Sunflower Seeds! I mean, who seriously knew that sunflower seeds could change your life and bring you so much joy. I'm not kidding. Why not bring some joy into your life ... my secret? I am a very nurturing person who tends my garden every day. How about you?

Sunflower Plants at 36 Inches Tall

Today's sunflower plant measurement is made on the 51st day since the Burpee Sunflower Seeds were planted in the ground. At 43 days, the tallest height reached 24 inches. That is a growth of one foot in one week's time.

Sunday, May 4th, my tallest sunflower plant is actually over 36 inches tall. It is actually nearly 38 inches tall. This plant is in the middle of the second row.

Sunflower Plant Height of Thirty-Eight Inches at 51 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: May 4, 2014

The sunflower plants which I have been charting with measurements are at 36 inches in height. These plants are at the end of the fourth row, nearest the house.

Sunflower Plant Height of Thirty-Six Inches at 51 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: May 4, 2014

If you look to the right of my hand and measuring tape, you will see the solar patio light. I repositioned three of them out of the sunflower garden as the plants were obscuring the sunlight from them.

THE WIDEST SUNFLOWER PLANTS

I have been seeing consistent growth on the sunflower plants from the organic seeds. Those are the plants which have more leafy leaves.

Sunflower Plant Width of Twenty-Five Inches at 51 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: May 4, 2014

How about that? Those organic sunflower plants have leaf spans which are over two feet wide! They are not the tallest plants, but are rather charting the same heights as widths! Curious.

Sunflower Plant Width of Twenty-Four Inches at 51 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: May 4, 2014

MEASUREMENT COMPARISON

1. 23 days - 6 inches wide by 7 inches across by 6 inches tall
2. 30 days - 9 inches wide by 10 inches across by 12 inches tall
3. 37 days - 11 inches wide by 13 inches across by 18 inches tall 
4. 43 days - 18 inches wide by 18 inches across by 24 inches tall
5. 51 days - 24 inches wide by 25 inches across by 36-38 inches tall 

I really think the extra growth can be attributed to the extra addition over the weeks of Sta-Green Potting Mix and the application of Kgro All-Purpose 24-8-16 Water Soluble Plant Food on the 42nd day. Plus, we have had several days of rain this past week and finally a sunny SUNday!

Sunflower Garden Three Rows at 51 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: May 4, 2014

L to R: Tall, taller, tallest! It is wild how the growth in my sunflower garden rows was rather the opposite last year in my first garden. This year, the taller plants are in the third and fourth rows nearest the house.

Sunflower Garden Four Rows at 51 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: May 4, 2014

TAKE A LOOK AT MY SUNFLOWER GARDEN

This is the magic shot that I love to use for my time lapse photography for the measurement comparison! The sun was in my eyes and made this shot a little out of focus, but you can still get the idea of the growth. It is most dramatic when you compare that to last week's picture! See that picture near the end of that blog post.

My Second Sunflower Garden at 51 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: May 4, 2014

WHAT A JOURNEY THIS HAS BEEN

Reflecting back on the start of the journey and where it has taken us ... I knew I wanted to do my second DIY garden of sunflowers in 2014. I waited a bit longer this year to get started, planting the seeds directly into the ground on March 14, 2014. On May 2, 2014, I wrote about my first DIY garden of sunflowers, summing up all the work that went into that 2013 inaugural flower garden.

For my second DIY garden of sunflowers, I have diligently plotted the growth in my flower garden for 51 days! I remember my excitement when I saw the first seedlings emerge at 6 days only to then see them dug up by critters! I covered the seedlings for 21 consecutive days to protect them from the digging critters. I fertilized and watered and pulled weeds and removed slime molds of pink and yellow. I fed the orange tabby cat and tried to keep it from sitting on my sunflower plants.

It has been an incredible amount of work and too many hours to count. But, you know what? I wouldn't have had it any other way. The payout is coming when I get to see the sunflower blossoms.

It is like a science project in that I am using only sunflower seeds that I harvested from last year's garden.

Refreshing my mind on what Burpee Sunflower Seeds I started with in my first DIY garden of sunflowers. In that picture, you can see the very three packets of Burpee's I used : Del Sol Hybrid (Pollenless), Summer Evening Mix, and Summer Cutting Garden Mix. In the end, I got a lot of height and the most amazing mix of colors. This year, I have great expectations!

Waiting ... when will I see the first bud? It has got to be some time this week!

Sunflower Plants at 24 Inches Tall

Today I did my measurements of the sunflower plants rather than waiting for Sunday. Good thing I did that as the tallest height of the sunflower plants is now 24 inches tall. How about that? Two feet of growth in 43 days.

Sunflower Plant Height of Twenty-Four Inches at 43 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 26, 2014

I did my height measurement at the same spot I've been measuring the plants for the past 4 weeks. Then, I went to the second row in to check the height there.

Sunflower Plant Height of Twenty-Four Inches at 43 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 26, 2014

How about that? I found there had been a little extra growth over the past week in that second row. I found the tallest height also at 24 inches - although it looks like 25 inches.

SUNFLOWER WIDTH MEASUREMENTS

I didn't do a width measurement of those first two tallest sunflower plants as I noticed in the fourth row that there was a really leafy plant.

Sunflower Plant Width of Eighteen Inches at 43 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 26, 2014

There was a uniform measurement on that plant of eighteen inches across and eighteen inches wide.

Sunflower Plant Width of Eighteen Inches at 43 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 26, 2014

I will need to check out the widest measurement on some of the individual leaves as they are looking pretty substantial in size. Take a look at the overall plant that is the widest.

THE WIDEST SUNFLOWER PLANT

Sunflower Plant Width of Eighteen by Eighteen Inches at 43 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 26, 2014

Sunflower Plant Width of Eighteen by Eighteen Inches at 43 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 26, 2014

You might think that the widest sunflower plant is the wildest! In some regards, maybe, as this plant is a bit different from the others. I would say it is from one of the organic sunflower seeds! In last year's garden the third row planted were 2 packets of Burpee Organic Sunflower Seeds. Those plants were not like the others.

On the organic sunflower plants, I found the leaves were larger and much more defined. They also seemed a little "furry" with choppy or zig-zaggy edges. Thankfully, the stalks on the organic plants were much thicker and sturdier, to support those extra leaves!

MY SECOND SUNFLOWER GARDEN

Sunflower Plant Height of Twenty-Four Inches at 43 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 26, 2014

There is that shot of the sunflower plants next to the decorative edging. If you compare this picture with the previous week's sunflower garden picture against the decorative edging, you can appreciate all the extra growth.

My second sunflower garden has been shaping up to be much better than my first sunflower garden of one year ago! That first flower garden had only three rows of plants. This second flower garden has four rows and more than double the plants!

TAKE A LOOK AT MY SUNFLOWER GARDEN

My Second Sunflower Garden at 43 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 26, 2014

In my May 17, 2013 blog post, I did a bit of time-lapse photography with that above picture, charting the growth of my first sunflower garden.

ADDING PLANT FOOD

Over the course of the past 43 days, after planting the sunflower seeds with Sta-Green Potting Mix, I added more of that potting mix to the four rows on three different occasions. Then, on the 42nd day, I picked up a bag of Kgro All-Purpose 24-8-16 Water Soluble Plant Food. I mixed up the blue crystals in my large green 5 liter watering can for four different applications, one per row.

This year's garden is a comparison of sorts to my first garden. Last year, it was all Miracle-Gro -- potting mix and Miracle-Gro 1001233 All Purpose 24-8-16 Plant Food. We will be comparing Miracle-Gro to the "other" products; i.e. Sta-Green and Kgro!

CONSIDER ORGANIC SUNFLOWER SEEDS

I was just shopping on Amazon for Burpee Organic Sunflower Seeds and found two products which I would want to try:

1. Burpee Sunflower Mammoth 60740 (Yellow) 20 Organic Seeds
2. Sunflower Seeds, Autumn Beauty Mix Organic 1 Pkt. (30 seeds)

Sunflower Plants at Thirty Seven Days

Happy Easter Everyone! I awakened to an overcast and misty Easter Sunday. Time to do the measurements! As of April 20th, it is over a month of history on my second sunflower garden. Today is the thirty seventh day.

Last night was the first night in several weeks that I didn't put down the protective covering of the weed barrier cloth. For 21 consecutive nights and days, I put down and picked up the protective covering. Without the use of the landscape cloth, I wasn't sure if there would be evidence of critters digging in the sunflower garden. Luckily, those digging critters stayed away on Easter Sunday, although I detected some evidence of a mole moving around under the garden.

Sunflower Garden Four Rows of Plants at 37 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 20, 2014

Check out those four rows of sunflower plants in my garden! Compare those to the sunflower seedlings and plants at thirty days. I think you can see a lot of growth in the past seven days.

SUNFLOWER PLANT MEASUREMENTS

My first measurement was to check the height. One week ago, at 30 days, the height was twelve inches. And, two weeks ago, at 23 days, the height was just six inches. How tall would the sunflower plant be at 37 days? Well, give a look ...

Sunflower Plant Height of Eighteen Inches at 37 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 20, 2014

That's pretty consistent growth in the height which has been averaging six inches per every 7 days. I think we will start to see a bit more growth from this point forward.

Sunflower Plant Width of Eleven Inches at 37 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 20, 2014

The sunflower leaf width measured eleven inches, an increase of only two inches from one week ago. However, we are seeing a lot more fullness with the leaf spread and more leaves being added to the sunflower stems.

Sunflower Plant Width of Thirteen Inches at 37 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 20, 2014

Our measurement on the width across came in at thirteen inches, an increase of three inches from one week ago. The leaves are really filling out and starting to look like traditional sunflower leaves.

Comparing our three measurements:

1. 23 days - 6 inches wide by 7 inches across by 6 inches tall
2. 30 days - 9 inches wide by 10 inches across by 12 inches tall
3. 37 days - 11 inches wide by 13 inches across by 18 inches tall

SUNFLOWER PLANTS TALLER THAN DECORATIVE EDGING!

You get a more impressive idea of how the sunflower plants are growing when you take a shot next to the metal decorative edging.

Sunflower Plant Height of Eighteen Inches at 37 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 20, 2014

It sure is rewarding growing your own flower garden from seed. When I contemplated my second sunflower garden, I didn't know what to expect. I have to say that I am extremely THRILLED at the "performance" of the Burpee Sunflower Seeds. I don't know that I would try any other brand.

Sunflower Seedlings at Thirty Days

It has been a month of thirty days since planting my flower garden of four rows of sunflower seeds. Time for measuring the sunflower seedlings. By now, I think I can call some of these sunflower plants as they seem a little large to be called "seedlings."

Sunflower Garden Four Rows of Seedlings at 30 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 13, 2014

I captured a photo of the sunflower garden from the other direction. You can see a lot of growth in the two rows on the left. There are plenty of sunflower seedlings in the two rows on the right - much more than last year's crop!

SUNFLOWER SEEDLING MEASUREMENTS

Our first measurement of the sunflower seedlings was taken one week ago, April 6th, at twenty-three days. At that time, the measurement stood at 6 inches wide by 7 inches across by 6 inches tall.

Sunflower Seedling Height of Twelve Inches at 30 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 13, 2014

With the tallest sunflower seedling reaching a height of twelve inches, or one foot, at thirty days, I am confident we can now call this a sunflower plant! That is double the growth in one week or seven days time! Not bad.

Sunflower Seedling Width of Nine Inches at 30 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 13, 2014

The sunflower seedling I measured had a leaf width of some nine inches. At least the height was no surpassing the width.

Sunflower Seedling Width of Ten Inches at 30 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 13, 2014

The second measurement on the leaf width across came in at ten inches. The leaf clusters wide and across are still tracking pretty uniform measurements and growth.

Comparing our two measurements:

1. 23 days - 6 inches wide by 7 inches across by 6 inches tall
2. 30 days - 9 inches wide by 10 inches across by 12 inches tall

It is curious to note that the width and across measurement both increased by 3 inches whilst the height increased by 6 inches - that is two to one growth on the height to width of the sunflower seedlings.

SUNFLOWER SEEDLINGS AS TALL AS THE DECORATIVE EDGING!

Sunflower Seedling Height of Twelve Inches at 30 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 13, 2014

This past week, I replanted the sunflower seedlings from the three backup pots into the four rows in my sunflower garden. I filled in the "bare" spots with seedlings. With the growth throughout the four rows, I had to change up my protective covering of the sunflower seedlings at night.

Lowe's Liners and Weed Barrier Cloth Protecting Sunflower Seedlings ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 12, 2014 pm

I've been using the three lengths of the black weed barrier cloth to cover the three rows of sunflower seedlings. The cloth is light enough to carefully place one length centered over the seedlings. In my fourth row, with the least growth, I have used four Lowe's liners. I am contemplating purchasing another roll of weed barrier cloth so that I can have one length for each of the four rows.

Each evening and morning, with the put down and take up of the protective covering, it has been a little workout with the placement of the brick pavers.

Sunflower Seedlings Prospering at 30 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 13, 2014

I took that last photo right after I removed the weed barrier cloth in the morning. That's fifteen days of putting down and taking up the protective coverings! You can see that the sunflower seedlings -- er, sunflower plants -- are prospering at thirty days. Compare that growth to the sunflower seedlings of six days! Quite a difference.

This experience is all thanks to Burpee! I started with their sunflower seeds in 2013 and then harvested my own seeds. This year's sunflower garden is from my harvested seeds entirely! This year, I'm anxious to see if I can attain the same heights of seven to eight feet along with the beautiful array of sunflower blossoms. Gosh, I wonder when we will see that first blossom and will it be yellow or orange or red?

Hey, why not make a little sunny magic in your garden. Start with Burpee Sunflower Seeds available at Amazon. I suggest picking a variety of at least three different packages. Try the taller ones like I did!

The Last Sunflower of Summer

It was precisely six months ago today that I started my sunflower garden from seed - on March 2, 2013. Here we are, September 2, 2013 and I am celebrating the last sunflower of Summer! I can't tell you what a pleasant surprise it was to look out my Florida room window to see something emerging in the sunflower garden. At first, I was sure it was a weed!

The Last Sunflower of Summer
Photographed August 20, 2013 by JaguarJulie Ann Brady

Upon a closer inspection, it was obviously a sunflower plant. I've been battling a host of weeds throughout my yard and gardens this year because of all the rain. And, because there have been several gatherings of morning doves in my back yard over these Summer months.

The Last Sunflower of Summer with Sunflower Garden Stake
Photographed August 20, 2013 by JaguarJulie Ann Brady

After I leveled my previous sunflower garden, I didn't plant any more of the sunflower seeds. What's curious, where this sunflower is emerging, were the yellow sunflower plants which were the shortest of the entire garden. It's cool to see that one last sunflower seed is emerging as a plant.

The Last Sunflower of Summer
Photographed September 2, 2013 by JaguarJulie Ann Brady

Check out that sunflower plant - it is over 2 feet tall by Labor Day. It sure would be cool if this last sunflower actually blooms. You can see that the bugs have found this last plant as there are some holes on the leaves.

The Last Sunflower of Summer in the leveled Sunflower Garden
Photographed September 2, 2013 by JaguarJulie Ann Brady

Compare this last picture with the other pictures of my Sunflower Plants Prospering in the Ground. To the left of the yard, you can see the Mexican Petunias in bloom before the purple showers. The sky is quite inspiring with the various shades of white and blue.

Perhaps the most joyous experience I had this past year has been my sunflower garden. I literally took over a thousand photographs and blogged about the sunflower journey in a number of posts. Come along and experience this inspirational journey with me. From start to finish:

• Planting a Flower Garden From Scratch
• Starting Sunflower Seeds for a Flower Garden
• Nurturing Sunflower Seedlings for a Flower Garden
• Planting Sunflower Seedlings in the Ground
• Sunflower Plants Prospering in the Ground
• My Sunflower Blossoms are Blooming
• Celebrate the Sunflower Buds and Backs
• Colorful Autumn Beauty Sunflower Pictures
• Insects and Critters in my Sunflower Garden
• Drying Sunflower Heads for Seeds
• Harvesting Sunflower Seeds from the Heads
• My 7 Foot Sunflower Garden
• The Sunflower Project : Free Seeds and Paying it Forward
• Hummingbird in My Sunflower Garden
• Autumn Beauty Sunflower Pictures
• Pretty Yellow Sunflower Blossoms
• Dance of the Dragonfly
• Sunflowers in a Vase
• Final Sunflowers of Summer

The Sunflower Project

The Sunflower Project by JaguarJulie Ann Brady
Plant these seeds and then pay it forward!

Just today, I heard from one of the participants in The Sunflower Project. Lynda Makara received a free packet of sunflower seeds at the start of this project. To document her sunflower garden, she wrote a Zujava leaf, The Sunflower Project: Sunflower Seed Giveaway. I have given out literally thousands of free sunflower seeds to dozens of participants across the United States. It was great to hear that Lynda had such success with her sunflower garden.

I will be continuing The Sunflower Project into 2014. If you are interested in participating, just let me know! You can add a comment on The Sunflower Project.

For me, all those six months ago, it all started with a few packets of Burpee Sunflower Seeds and Jiffy 5032 Professional Greenhouse 25-Plant Starter Kit! Now I feel like a professional. And, more joyous and inspired. You too can be original and authentic by growing your own sunflowers from seeds. It will surely inspire you.

Tracking The Last Sunflower of Summer

The Last Sunflower of Summer
Photographed September 6, 2013 by JaguarJulie Ann Brady

Only 4 days later from the picture in my original blog post -- the sunflower plant is looking quite healthy in its growth pattern. Already the leaf bugs have been busy; although, I have yet to photograph another insect on this plant.

The Last Sunflower of Summer
Photographed September 10, 2013 by JaguarJulie Ann Brady

And, here it is another 4 days later and the sunflower plant is growing heartily. It's been rather warm and humid here in Jacksonville, Florida. The rain hasn't been as plentiful as earlier in the sunflower growing season.

The Last Sunflower of Summer
Photographed September 15, 2013 by JaguarJulie Ann Brady

We could see the healthy sunflower bud on September 15th. This sunflower plant is really growing!! I wasn't sure if the blossom was going to be a traditional yellow sunflower or the richer colored Autumn Beauty. This particular sunflower plant has got a lot of buds up and down the stem!

The Last Sunflower of Summer : Close-up on the Sunflower Bud
Photographed September 16, 2013 by JaguarJulie Ann Brady

Drumroll for the first sunflower blossom on the last sunflower of summer! The sunflower blossom first opened on September 17, 2013.

The Last Sunflower of Summer : Autumn Beauty
Photographed September 17, 2013 by JaguarJulie Ann Brady

Measuring the last Autumn Beauty sunflower of summer, it reached a height of some 52 inches on September 17th! So, at 4 feet 4 inches, it blossomed! I seriously can't wait to see the other buds on the stem blossom.

The Last Sunflower of Summer : Autumn Beauty
Photographed September 17, 2013 by JaguarJulie Ann Brady

What a remarkable experience! As I said previously, this sunflower journey all started with a few packets of Burpee Sunflower Seeds and Jiffy 5032 Professional Greenhouse 25-Plant Starter Kit! If you haven't tried your own sunflower garden, may I recommend that you try it some day?

Close-Up on the Sunflower Blossoms

The Last Sunflower of Summer : Autumn Beauty Sunflower Blossom
Photographed September 18, 2013 by JaguarJulie Ann Brady

The Last Sunflower of Summer : Autumn Beauty Sunflower Blossom
Photographed September 19, 2013 by JaguarJulie Ann Brady

It is so remarkable how vivid the colors are on the Autumn Beauty sunflower blossom. I think of this blossom like a sunburst of color with very Fall or Autumn colors; hence, the name Autumn Beauty!

The Last Sunflower of Summer : Autumn Beauty Sunflower Blossom
Photographed September 19, 2013 by JaguarJulie Ann Brady

The morning of September 19th, when I photographed the final sunflower plant, I was amazed at the number of buds all up and down the stem. In the photo above, you get a glimpse at the buds near the top of the plant. There is one bud directly behind the large sunflower blossom on top. Would you believe? I counted at least twenty [20] different sunflower buds on this one plant! The buds are in a variety of sizes with the larger buds near the top of the plant. Mother Nature has done a marvelous job with this sunflower plant.

The Last Sunflower of Summer : Autumn Beauty Sunflower Blossom
Photographed September 19, 2013 6pm by JaguarJulie Ann Brady

I just couldn't resist to take another picture of the pretty sunflower blossom at 6pm EST September 19th. We had a bit of rain earlier in the day; however, you can see the pretty blue sky dotted with some white clouds.

The Last Sunflower of Summer : Autumn Beauty Sunflower Blossom
Photographed September 20, 2013 8am by JaguarJulie Ann Brady

The morning of September 20th, I was thrilled to see 4 Autumn Beauty Sunflower blossoms. One of the blossoms is attached to the back of the large blossom. I did another count of the buds and counted twenty-one [21].

Last Sunflowers of Summer in a Vase

I had the opportunity to experience more sunflowers in a vase thanks to a little extra rain that caused the top sunflower blossoms to bow. Not wanting the sunflower plant to fall over from the weight of the flowers, I cut the top off. What a great photo opportunity.

Last Sunflowers of Summer in a Vase

Last Sunflowers of Summer in a Vase

Ah, just like a well-known work of art - and maybe better! It's pretty tough to find such a pretty artsy vase as mine. However! I was searching around Amazon and found a really pretty sunflower vase. It's Deruta Italian Ceramic Vase of Sunflowers! With that vase, you can experience sunflowers year-around!

PS Do not steal my copyrighted images please! Take your own photographs for a change. I put a lot of hard work into growing sunflowers and photographing them. Not cool to steal other people's work; you know??