The Journal of the Traveling Squid

Fellowship, Goodwill and Making Connections Worldwide with Other Squidoo Lensmasters! The Journal of the Traveling Squid is a goodwill project connecting Squidoo lensmasters, particularly Giant Squids of yesterday, today, and tomorrow worldwide. The inspiration for the journey of the traveling squid really originated in the Summer of 2008. At that time, I contemplated how to launch this project of sisterhood and brotherhood for charity; to take my Giant Squid t-shirt, sign it and send it on to the next Squidoo lensmaster.

The Traveling Squid International Edition T-shirt photographed by JaguarJulie

This is the original, founding lens of The Journal of the Traveling Squid -- which tracked the traveling squid worldwide journey internationally and in the United States. The journey celebrated its anniversary on March 21, 2014. That was coincidentally my 8-year anniversary on Squidoo. The Traveling Squid kicked off its worldwide journey in Jacksonville, Florida and then flew on to Gordon Hamilton in the United Kingdom.

Volume II, the U.S.A. edition was traveling last in California. Volume I left the U.K. after enjoying 6 full months there; stopping off in Ireland and then on to Australia! Volume III, the second U.S.A. edition headed out to Merritt Island, Florida and is looking to travel in the state before moving on.

Whew! The international edition arrived home in Jacksonville, Florida on August 18, 2010. On July 15, 2010, we informed Flynn the Cat in New Zealand that the international edition was being called home to the United States, home base in Jacksonville, Florida, for a rest period. The international traveling squid has had a lot of fun traveling internationally -- thank you everyone for participating so boldly! Oh, the USA traveling squid also arrived back home in Jacksonville, Florida a short while after the international edition. Thanks folks for contributing to such a marvelous journey. There is a possibility that we will resume its travels some time in the future!

March 21, 2014, Jacksonville, FL: Relaunch ... We launched the next edition of the traveling squid in the United States in Florida. And, we now have a new lens, The Journal of the Traveling Squid USA. If you are in the United States and want to participate, lensmasters in the U.S.A. sign up here.

Look At THAT Squidoo Giant Squid T-Shirt - The International Edition! OMG, is this not a cool t-shirt?

It is our objective to auction off The Journal of the Traveling Squid — signed international edition of the Squidoo Giant Squid t-shirt! This auction is to benefit a Squidoo charity. Once we have determined where the auction will be held, we will let you know. The winning bidder will have the distinct honor of determining WHICH charity will benefit from the proceeds.

WOW! Look at this shirt! Imagine the priceless miles, the priceless experiences, the sheer amount of DNA the shirt has collected in its worldly travels. I tell you, it boggles the mind! Yes it does.

What is The Journal of the Traveling Squid? There is a Journal and a Giant Squid T-Shirt ...

The Journal of the Traveling Squid project consists of the Journal and a Giant Squid T-shirt. As each Squidoo lensmaster receives the forwarded package containing the journal and shirt, they will make their contribution to the journal with a journal entry. And, they will also sign the shirt with their lensmaster name, location and date.

Each participating lensmaster is asked to make a personal journal entry of their choosing. What does Squidoo mean to you? What are you passionate about? What matters to you? Feel free to add a drawing or maybe some poetry. After all, this is your journal entry.

Read on for further information about participants’ participation in this project — 7 things you should know — for participants.

Purple Star Journey

BTW, wonderful news for The Journal of the Traveling Squid -- on June 25, 2009 this lens earned the coveted purple star for quality content. The traveling squid is overjoyed! Then, Gordon Hamilton and The Five Dollar Vacation earned a purple star! Woo Hoo! Holy Moly Batman, KimGiancaterino earned a purple star for The Journal of the Traveling Squid Hollywood and KathyMcGraw earned a purple star for The Journal of the Traveling Squid Palm Springs.

The Journal and the Giant Squid T-Shirt

How do you feel about The Journal of the Traveling Squid?
Can such a pay it forward, goodwill / charity project work? Do you believe the traveling squid will make it around the world? A few lensmasters weighed in and this is what they had to say!

7 things you should know when participating
If you participate in this worldwide project; when you receive the package!

* Please sign the shirt with your lensmaster name, date and location [city, state, country].

* Add your journal entry: What does Squidoo mean to you? What are you passionate about? Feel free to write a page entry about something that matters to you. Add a drawing or maybe some poetry.

* Photographs please: As shown below, take a picture of your journal entry. Also, we are asking participants to have a photograph taken of themselves holding the shirt and journal next to an interesting landmark close to their location. If there is no interesting landmark, an outdoor picture will work! Pictures should be emailed to JaguarJulie at the email included in the journal. You may also want to upload these to your Flickr acount.

* Visit The Journal of the Traveling Squid lens and leave a comment here for participants in the International Edition and likewise leave a comment here if you are a participant in the U.S.A. with date the package arrived, your location and provide your favorite charity!

* Most important: package up the journal and signed t-shirt and mail/post it on to the next lensmaster. Each participating lensmaster may determine the next lensmaster to receive the package with the goal of covering all interested lensmasters in a location [city, state, country] before moving on to a new state or country. Check this lens for interested lensmasters!

* A donation to your favorite charity is encouraged at the time you receive your package. This part is optional and up to you!

* Please keep me [JaguarJulie] in the loop when you receive your package. You can use the contact me on my lensmaster profile.

The goal of The Journal of the Traveling Squid
The goal of this project is to connect lensmasters worldwide, hoping to travel far and wide — to all continents, and to raise money for charity. Inspired by The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, this journey is starting with an idea — with a journal and a shirt.

The Very First Logo Graphic for This Project
Designed by lensmaster Janusz Biela

This cool logo was designed by fellow lensmaster Janusz Biela. It was his creation to feature a Traveling Squid wearing the Giant Squid t-shirt, standing atop Mt. Everest holding the Journal! Pretty clever don’t you think. Janusz offers his designing skills free to fellow Squidoo lensmasters — that is mighty remarkable, don’t you think. Thank you Janusz!

Have some ideas?

Stazjia Jun 05, 2013 @ 4:20 pm - I remember the Travelling Squid so well and followed its progress. I can just about see a bit of my name on the left shoulder, hidden a bit by the fold. I even remember where on the T-shirt I signed it though it was 4 years ago. It was a marvellous, magic idea which demonstrated the Squidoo spirit of the time.

The Journal of the Traveling Squid P1 and P2

Make your mark by signing the Journal and the Giant Squid t-shirt

International Edition of The Journal of the Traveling Squid
It flew to the U.K. in March 2009 and has returned to Jacksonville, Florida for a rest period!

Welcome to the International Edition of The Journal of the Traveling Squid! If you are a Squidoo lensmaster who is or will be participating in the Traveling Squid project, and live outside the United States, this is where YOU will be found. This page is highlighting the journal entries and landmark pictures of participating Squidoo lensmasters internationally. We started off the International Edition in March 2009, and here we are, one years later and still going strong!

The journal started off in Jacksonville, Florida and was dispatched to the United Kingdom. Do you know, the traveling squid spent 6 months in the U.K.???? Oh my goodness, I say! From the U.K., the traveling squid HIT Ireland and then flew like crazy to Australia. Said traveling squid spent a good bit of time there, down under, before gearing up to hit New Zealand.

July 15, 2010: We have informed Flynn the Cat in New Zealand that the international edition of the traveling squid is being called home to the United States, home base in Jacksonville, Florida, for a rest period. The international traveling squid has had a lot of fun traveling internationally — thank you everyone. Oh, for the time being, we will continue on with the USA traveling squid. Thanks folks!

The Journal of the Traveling Squid is a goodwill project connecting Squidoo lensmasters, particularly Giant Squids of yesterday, today, and tomorrow worldwide.

Volume I -- International Edition: U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and on!

The Journey in the U.K.
Continuing throughout the U.K. connecting so many lensmasters and giant squids. Gordon Hamilton has ‘made his mark’ on the Volume I U.K. journal and t-shirt in March 2009. Some six months later, the journal had visited 17 lensmasters in the U.K.! That’s pretty remarkable.

Once all willing lensmasters located in the U.K. have participated in the journey, the journal and t-shirt will be ready to make its way out of the U.K. into Ireland and then into Europe for an Eastern journey around the world!

Oh, did you read that we started a second volume of the traveling squid on Seth Godin’s birthday??? July 10, 2009, the journal departed Jacksonville, FL headed to our very own Gil. Now it is September, and Volume II is underway in the U.S.A.

Kick-Off -- Volume I International Edition
Squidoo Lensmaster Participants

1. JaguarJulie -- Jacksonville, FL USA
2. Gordon Hamilton -- U.K.
3. AJ2008 -- U.K.
4. Inkserotica -- U.K.
5. Debnet and Poddys -- U.K.
6. The_Book_Garden -- U.K.
7. NanLT -- U.K.
8. Kate-Phizackerley -- U.K.
9. Stazjia -- U.K.
10. thefluffanutta -- U.K.
11. oneskms -- U.K.
12. Rob3 -- U.K.
13. MrLewisSmile -- U.K.
14. AndyPo -- U.K.
15. Wizard-Morton -- U.K.
16. sherridan -- U.K.
17. Auntiekatkat -- U.K.
18. tirial -- U.K.
19. spook -- Ireland
20. susannaduffy -- Australia
21. Charlyjl -- Australia
22. RhiannonL -- Australia
23. skiesgreen -- Australia
24. N376 -- Australia
25. RonPass -- Australia
26. seegreen -- Australia
27. Flynn_the_Cat -- New Zealand
28. Bria-Silivren -- New Zealand

Volume II - U.S.A. Edition
Originating in Jacksonville, Florida with JaguarJulie

Hello to my fellow lensmasters, Squidoo you all, who reside in the United States of America! Woo-Hoo you all. I am so glad to have connected with each and every one of you to celebrate the traveling squid in America. It was truly fabulous to actually have the important folk of Squidoo — let’s see, Gil Hildebrand, Kimberly Dawn Wells, Corey Brown, Seth Godin, Megan Casey … did I miss any of the HQ gang? How awesome it truly was to have these fine Squidoo people participate in The Journal of the Traveling Squid? Yes indeed. And, it has been a true honor to be involved with Squidoo, speaking for myself.

Thank you hugely to the fine U.S.A. lensmasters who lent their time and talents to the traveling squid. Hugs you all.

In the U.S.A. -- Volume II
Squidoo Lensmaster Participants

1. giltotherescue -- Boulder, CO
2. SquidooKimberly -- Medford, WI
3. Seth Godin -- N.Y.
4. Corey Brown -- VA
5. Susan52 -- AR
6. KimGiancaterino -- Los Angeles, CA
7. KathyMcGraw -- Palm Springs, CA
8. badmsm -- Modesto, CA
9. Squidster -- Riverside, CA
10. Frankster -- Fort Bragg, CA
11. Megan Casey -- San Jose, CA
12. boredofeducation -- Fullerton, CA
13. GreekGeek -- Irvine, CA
14. Heather426 -- Canyon Country, CA
15. Paperfacets -- La Verne, CA
16. _Joan_ -- Someplace in CA

Lensmaster Spotlight

GILTOTHERESCUE 8/10/2009 – Boulder, CO and New Orleans, LA

Wawaweewa! I’m delighted to be the second Squid to sign the US journal. For the collection, I’ve taken two photos – one at work and another at play.

In the photo at my desk I am hacking away, most likely on a lensrank bug or our new modules as pages project (hope you like it).

In the other photo I took the journal to my home town: the European-inspired, laissez-faire city of New Orleans. After walking around the French Quarter all day, I made a pit stop to take this photo on the corner of the famous (or is it infamous?) Bourbon St. before making my was to Port of Call, home of the best beef and portabello burgers in town.

Before I go I want to say thanks to all you fantabulous lensmasters for using Squidoo. We’ve created something special here, and I’m thrilled to work with such a talented, eclectic group of writers and marketers. Keep on rockin. ~ Gil aka giltotherescue

Squidoo Kimberly / Kimberly Dawn Wells August 24, 2009 – Medford, WI

Hi Lensmasters!

When I started doing web design in 1997 I never dreamed a service like Squidoo would become available and make the process so simple; nor did I ever guess I’d one day be part of the team running it!

In my photo I’m multitasking – kicking back in my office between a long day of coding and writing and preparing to be on ambulance call for the night.

The potential of Squidoo has only begun to be tapped. Every day lensmasters surprise us with new ways to collect, share, and archive information through their creative use of lenses. Keep up the great work, and keep working hard on what you are passionate about. ~ K. D. Wells

Seth Godin Wednesday September 2, 2009 New York, New York

SQUID ALERT!

That’s the little Seth action figure wearing his too big t-shirt.

Keep Creating

Keep Leading

Keep making a difference

~ Seth Godin

Corey Brown Thursday September 10, 2009 Winchester, Virginia

The traveling squid has made its way to historic old town Winchester, Virginia, in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.

I’m sharing two pictures … the first is one of me in front of The Bright Center, where we have a coworking location. The second is me hard at work, reading an email from Blake on something Squidoo-related and coming soon.

Thanks to all the Squids for all you do. You’ve made this platform better than we could have imagined. ~ Corey Brown

Donations? Yessirreee Bob! We are talking about charity and donations, part of the foundation celebrating the worldwide journey of The Journal of the Traveling Squid! Each step of the worldwide journey was slated to be marked by charitable donations from participating lensmasters.

What is your pet charity? Do you actually work with a charity? Me? Well, yes I do! My pet charity is First Coast No More Homeless Pets often known as FCNMHP. Funny when I spell that out, I have to repeat the words to get it right. My journey with FCNMHP started in October 2003 and I’m still going strong with this fine charity even today … as we speak.

The mission of First Coast No More Homeless Pets (FCNMHP) is to eliminate the killing of dogs and cats in our community through free and low-cost spay and neuter programs.

So, let’s pony up and do our part in the charitable donations department. It will feel good — go ahead; try it; you’ll like it. Charity begins at home! Your home.

Thanks Squidoo for the Memories!!

giltotherescue Mar 22, 2010 @ 11:52 am - I love browsing this lens from time to time to see where the traveling squid has gone next. Reading about so many passionate lensmasters all over the world is inspiring.

THANK YOU * THANK YOU * THANK YOU!!!

History: The Journal of the Traveling Squid was originally created on March 21, 2009. On June 25, 2009 this lens earned the Purple Star Award for quality content. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #14 overall. This was a top lens with 65 days on the Top 100 list. Lens #412 in the quest for Giant Squid 500 Club.

Collection Agencies Harrassment SOS

This is my second SOS post regarding the harrassment by so-called Collection Agencies. Previously, on September 17, 2011, I wrote an article, Collection Agencies Harrassment SOS. At that time, I detailed numerous collection agencies who were calling for a particular person who had my phone number before me.

It was a tedious experience trying to get all these different agencies to stop harrassing me. Well, it seems another company has gotten the collection record for the latest person who used to have my phone number.

Julie Ann Brady and her cat Boots give a lick!

I keep getting calls from 800-580-8615; despite having asked them to remove me from their list, they persist in calling me. Today, at approximately 2pm EDT, I called 800-580-8615 and finally got a person who didn't seem pleased to be talking with me. When I told her I was not the person they were seeking and please remove my number, she said OK. I then asked her what number are you removing. She said, "we have your number." Yeah, I have yours too!!

I also took some time to send a message through Syncom's online contact form asking them to remove my phone number. The form wouldn't go through without my email; now I'll probably be getting spam emails!

There is a Chanel S. person in Jacksonville, Florida that is being sought by Synergetic Communication (Syncom) -- the latest agency who keeps calling me. I had already told one of the previous people calling me from Syncom to please remove my phone number from their calling list since I was not Chanel S. nor did I know who she is. And, I don't know anybody that knows her! But, I can Google that woman and probably tell you where to find her!

I just went back through my caller ID to chart how many times Syncom has called me from 1-800-580-8615:

1. 4/30/14 - 1:11pm
2. 4/25/14 - 10:50am
3. 4/22/14 - 12:36pm
4. 4/17/14 - 7:50pm
5. 4/16/14 - 7:37pm
6. 4/15/14 - 4:13pm
7. 4/14/14 - 4:54pm
8. 4/11/14 - 12:10pm

There are two other phone numbers that have called me a couple of times in one day:

1. 386-233-3552
2. 630-318-4762

I'm not sure which of those numbers is connected to the strange message that you hear when you answer the phone; "please hold for an important message." And, then you will hold and hold and hold waiting for a live person to come on the line.

Have you been hounded by collection agencies phone calls meant for somebody else? Oh boy, I have had more than one person's share! I'm thinking it is about time that I got a phone call telling me I won the Publisher's Clearing House $2 Million Sweepstakes with $10,000 a month for life!

UPDATE: At 3:07pm on April 30, 2014, I received a reply email to my online contact submission:

Good Afternoon Julie,

We do apologize for the inconvenience, We have removed your number and you will no longer receive calls from our agency.

Thank you,
Rachel Y. Sutton
Invoicing Specialist & Reports Coordinator
Synergetic Communication INC.
Phone: (866) 793-5401

Let's see if I get any more phone calls from Syncom!

Sunflower Seedlings at Twenty-Three Days

It is measurement time for the sunflower seedlings in my flower garden! As of April 6, 2014, it has been twenty-three days since I planted the sunflower seeds. On the sixth day, March 20th, the sunflower seedlings first emerged or broke ground. Today, the 23rd day since the sunflower seed planting, I did my first measurements on the seedlings growth.

It is really curious that the most growth is being seen in the fourth row; the last row in which I planted the seeds!

Sunflower Garden Four Rows of Seedlings at 23 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 6, 2014 - 9:56am

Here is the sunflower garden on the twenty-third day. There is actually good growth throughout all four rows; however, the exceptional growth in the fourth row makes it look like those other rows are slackers!

SUNFLOWER SEEDLING MEASUREMENTS

Drumroll for the moment of truth! How big are the sunflower seedlings?

Sunflower Seedling Height of Six Inches at 23 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 6, 2014

The most height attained above ground is pretty much six inches and a hair. The sunflower seeds were planted a bit deeper this year, but the best growth is from the seedlings in the rows where the digging critter initially uprooted them.

Sunflower Seedling Width of Six Inches at 23 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 6, 2014

The widest width of the prospering sunflower seedlings is six to seven inches! Yes, many of the sunflower seedlings are wider than tall. Thankfully, the stems are thickening up to support the top heavy weight of the leaves. Using the black weed barrier cloth to cover the seedlings at night hasn't affected their posture so to speak. That is, they are all standing up pretty erectly.

Sunflower Seedling Width of Seven Inches at 23 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 6, 2014

The biggest sunflower seedlings are in the part of the fourth row that was the first seedlings dug up by the critters. I guess it is a mixed blessing - a positive and negative.

Sunflower Seedling Width of Six Inches at 23 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 6, 2014

As you can see, there are a lot of different sunflower seedlings clumped together. I'd rather have more than not enough!

SUNFLOWER SEEDLINGS BACKUP

Since I wasn't really sure how well my harvested sunflower seeds from my first garden would grow, I did three pots of sunflower seedlings as a backup.

Sunflower Seedlings in Backup Pots at 23 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 6, 2014

Each morning, I uncover the three pots and bring them out into the sun on the brick patio at the back of my house. To the right, you can see the weed barrier cloth drying. The digging critter also found the two rectangular pots and did a bit of digging. The growth is probably average to above average in those two pots.

Sunflower Seedlings in Flower Pot at 23 Days ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: April 6, 2014

There are two sunflower seedlings in the round flower pot. The larger one is a good seven inches wide from left to right and five-and-a-half inches wide top to bottom on the leaves. It is only about five inches tall.

I will continue to cover the sunflower seedlings at night for a little while longer. Fingers crossed that the digging critters go elsewhere! Like maybe China??

So, have I interested you at all in planting your own flower garden? May I heartily recommend to you, Burpee Sunflower Seeds! You can find a good variety at Amazon. And, be sure to check out my Sunflower Seedlings at Thirty Days!

Critters Digging Up My Sunflower Seedlings

There is nothing worse than having some critter come into your sunflower garden and create havoc amidst your little sunflower seedlings. Bright and early the morning of March 22nd, I saw the first evidence of some digging critter in my sunflower garden. It attacked my first row of seedlings with a vengeance. Then, the very next morning of March 23rd, I found it had returned. The digging style was the same! I am guessing that this was a raccoon.

In my previous blog post, Sunflower Seedlings Emerging in Six Days, I shared more information and photos about the sunflower seedlings coming up and how this critter was doing its best to cull the crop, so to speak.

This is my second year of growing a sunflower garden from seed. In my first garden, I had plenty of experience with insects and critters in my sunflower garden. However, I had no experience with critters digging up the little seedlings.

The digging critter came back three more nights, but didn't look as "hungry" on those occasions.

DIFFERENT CRITTER DIGGING?

The morning of March 28th, a critter had been digging in each of the four rows in my sunflower garden. The digging appeared to be a little smaller in specific size, yet was more wide-ranging, affecting all the garden.

Critter Digging in my Sunflower Seedlings ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: March 28, 2014

Critter Digging in my Sunflower Seedlings ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: March 28, 2014

Critter Digging in my Sunflower Seedlings ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: March 28, 2014

I am pretty sure that there were two different types of critters digging in my sunflower garden over the five days. On the last morning that I found digging, the critter had skipped the garden and found my two rectangular flower pots on the side of the house.

What do you think was digging up my sunflower seedlings? Do you agree that it was a raccoon and an opossum? Have you dealt with these pesky critters in your garden? What would you do?

By the fifth day, I knew I had to take some action to protect my garden. Next up, Protecting Sunflower Seedlings From Digging Critters.

Sunflower Seedlings Emerging in Six Days

On Thursday morning, March 20, 2014, I spied my first little sunflower seedlings emerging. Since I wasn't using a seed starting kit this year, I opted to plant my sunflower seeds directly into the soil, just a bit deeper. So, six days seems reasonable when looking for sunflower seedlings to break through the soil.

First Sunflower Seedling of 2014 ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: March 20, 2014

You can see that humble first sunflower seedling in the photo. You get an idea of how small it was when you compare it to the teal green round fertilizer granules from the Sta-Green Potting Mix.

Over the next few days, I started to see more and more seedlings emerging. In fact, I was seeing areas with too many sunflower seedlings coming up. I knew I would have to cull them out once they got bigger.

HOLD THE PHONE!

Sunflower Seedlings Dug Up ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: March 22, 2014

You know that expression, "be careful what you ask for?" The morning of March 22nd, when I stepped out my patio door, I couldn't believe my eyes! In the first row of sunflower seedlings, the row nearest the house, I saw a critter had been digging like crazy. If you look closely, you can see many little sunflower seedlings lying "helter skelter" on the ground.

I put on my yellow rubber gloves and gathered up the seedlings and buried them back in the row, covering them with the dirt and potting mix.

OH NO! NOT AGAIN!!

Sunflower Seedlings Dug Up Again ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: March 23, 2014

The next morning of March 23rd, I was actually awake at a little past 3:00 am. I took my flashlight and checked the rows of the sunflower garden. So far, so good as no more digging. A little later, around 3:40 am, Boots the cat got up and headed for the patio. I followed her with my flashlight. Yep! The critter had returned. This time, it dug up about the same amount of area, but it was the second row!

Once again, I put on my rubber gloves and gently reburied all those little seedlings. And, I thought to myself, "boy oh boy, I sure can't handle this every morning!" I'm not sure what critter is doing all this digging, but I am guessing it is either a raccoon or opossum as I've seen both at my back door over the years.

Well, there were no diggings on March 24th or March 25th. However, on the morning of March 26th, I saw a small area of the second row had been hit again. Check out a few more pictures of more diggings.

Sunflower Seedlings in the Four Rows ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: March 26, 2014

There's a view of the four rows of sunflower seedlings on the morning of the 12th day. The row on the far right was the last row in which I planted the sunflower seeds. It seems to have the most seedlings emerging. Since the seedlings started to emerge, I've been keeping the garden rows moist, which means one watering can per row three times per day.

SUNFLOWER SEEDLINGS IN A CLUMP!

Sunflower Seedlings in a Clump #1 ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: March 26, 2014

Sunflower Seedlings in a Clump #2 ~ JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: March 26, 2014

See those two last pictures of the sunflower seedlings in a "clump?" That means there are way too many seedlings coming up in the same area. If the critter continues to dig in my sunflower garden, I may not need to worry about separating those seedlings once they get bigger.

I have to tell you that I have too many little seedlings in one area because I deliberately planted more seeds in the rows. You see, in The Sunflower Project, I had distributed hundreds of my harvested sunflower seeds to participants. However, I only heard back from ONE participant, Lynda, that she was able to grow sunflowers from my seeds.

This year, I gave a few packets of sunflower seeds to Nelson at Baileys Powerhouse Gym. Chatting with him this morning, he also said that he is going to have to cull out the seedlings once they get bigger because he was seeing about 2 dozen in a small area.

It sure is heartwarming and very satisfying to plant sunflower seeds in the garden and watch them emerge as little sunflower seedlings. Have you tried a sunflower garden for yourself? I'd love to hear about it! P.S. Did you see my previous blog post about Planting My Second Sunflower Garden?

Planting My Second Sunflower Garden

When it comes to planting sunflowers from seeds, I feel rather like a professional. This is my second sunflower garden from seed. For my first sunflower garden, in February 2013, I picked out the area that I wanted for my garden and started digging. Then in early March, I started with a few packets of Burpee Sunflower Seeds in a Burpee Starting Kit.

This year, for my second sunflower garden, I was doing things just a little bit differently. I opted to wait a little while longer to start! I waited until March 14, 2014 to get started. You see, this year we had some up and down weather and I didn't want my seedlings to face a hard freeze.

 Tilling the Garden Plot for Sunflowers by JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: March 14, 2014

The garden plot already had plenty of mulch, but had a few weeds and some errant grass that shot its roots into the soil. I had to first rake away all the mulch and then used my shovel to dig down and pull up all the grass roots.

Next, I opted to try four rows of sunflowers this year as opposed to the three rows of 2013.

Digging 4 Rows for Sunflower Seeds by JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: March 14, 2014

I probably would have used a hoe if I had one. Instead, I took my shovel and dragged it down the soil to create a row. A couple of passes got the depth a bit deeper.

In last year's sunflower garden, I used Miracle-Gro Potting Mix. This year, I opted to spend a little less and use Sta-Green Potting Mix. It was approximately three dollars less per bag for the Sta-Green product.

Getting my four rows ready for the sunflower seeds, I added a generous application of Sta-Green Potting Mix in each of the rows.

Adding Sta-Green Potting Mix to the 4 Rows by JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: March 14, 2014

If I had a second bag of potting mix, I would have added more to each of those rows. Next, came the fun part! It was time to add the sunflower seeds. For 2014, I didn't need to buy Burpee Sunflower Seeds as I had harvested my own seeds from my 2013 garden! There were quite the proliferance of sunflower seeds, even after I started The Sunflower Project. I had more than enough sunflower seeds for this garden.

Sunflower Seeds Planted in Garden by JaguarJulie
Photo Taken: March 14, 2014

Take a good look at that photo of the "blank canvas" so to speak! If you followed my sunflower garden in 2013, you got to see quite a different view of that garden plot as the sunflower plants began to grow. Check out the Sunflower Seedlings Emerging in Six Days! Follow me on my 2014 sunflower journey. Get on the blossom watch.

Drying Sunflower Heads for Seeds

It is now time for me to try my hand at drying the sunflower heads for harvesting the seeds! My sunflower garden is nearly 3 months old; I started it from seeds on March 2, 2013. I was waiting for the right moment to cut that first sunflower head. I suppose I could have ceremoniously waited until June 2nd, but I couldn't wait! So, I am 2 days short of the 3 months.

For those of you who STOLE my original images and written content, shame on you. Might I suggest you try being your own authentic selves? Go out and plant some seeds and watch YOUR gardens grow.

Cutting the Sunflower Heads

You can tell when it is time to cut the sunflower heads as all of the flower petals will have fallen off. The back of the blossom head will be yellowing. And, something important to note. You can see that the back of the sunflower head has indented or pushed toward the front.

The Back of the Sunflower Head is Yellow and Indented
Photo taken by JaguarJulie Ann Brady on May 31, 2013

I got out a pair of my heavy duty inside scissors and headed out to my garden. Since one of my tallest Autumn Beauty sunflowers had been bent over for more than a week, I decided to make that the first head I cut. That was the first Autumn Beauty sunflower plant to exceed 6 ft. in height. At the time of the cutting, it was well over 7 ft. in height if you stretched it out.

Largest Sunflower Head in My Garden : Autumn Beauty
Photo taken by JaguarJulie Ann Brady on May 31, 2013

It was easy to cut the thick stem with my scissors; I cut down to leave 9 inches of stem on the head. Before I cut any other sunflower heads, I came inside and put the cut sunflower head on my LS-30 postal scale.

The First Head Cut : Largest Sunflower Head : Autumn Beauty
Photo taken by JaguarJulie Ann Brady on May 31, 2013

I'm not sure what the average sunflower head is supposed to weigh, but this one came in at 8.2 ounces.  For some reason, I thought if felt heavier than that. The next largest sunflower head weighed in at 5.1 ounces. Most of the heads that I cut were comparable in size, weighing 4.5 to 5.1 ounces each.

A Bunch of Cut Sunflower Heads for Seed Harvesting
Photo taken by JaguarJulie Ann Brady on May 31, 2013

As you can see in the photo above, all the sunflower petals have fallen off the heads. The back of the heads were yellowing and rather indented. The most stem that I left on the cut heads was 9 inches. The rest of the heads, I left from 3 to 6 inches of stem.

Pests Who Like to Harvest Sunflower Seeds

Some gardeners may recommend that you leave the sunflower heads on the plants to dry; however, you run the risk of the birds or squirrels doing the seed harvesting for you! Everyday, In my back yard, I watch dozens of squirrels flying through the trees which rise up in the drainage area at the edge of my property. Sometimes, it is like a party in my yard as they zip back and forth from my yard to the neighbor's yard.

Those same squirrels went crazy last year when the Drake Elm went to seed in my front yard. I saw 6 squirrels at one time up in that tree, dropping those seed pods in my grass. A few months later, I had hundreds of little Drake Elm seedlings in my grass.

When I had a bird feeder in my back yard, I used to fill it with a mix that had a lot of sunflower seeds. Yep! The squirrels found the bird feeder and made short order of the sunflower seeds. So, I know those squirrels will harvest those sunflower seeds once they get wind of them!

It's not only the squirrels, but we have a plethora of birds thanks to the neighbor who puts out two large feeders. One evening, I was in my Florida Room talking on the phone with my neighbor. As I looked into the sunflower garden, I saw a male cardinal land on the stem of an Autumn Beauty sunflower plant! He flew off to the other neighbor's yard and landed on his fence. Next, into the garden flew the female cardinal. She landed on the decorative metal edging. Yes, I could well imagine that those cardinals would like to harvest some of those sunflower seeds.

Drying the Sunflower Heads 

I have read that you should dry the sunflower heads in perhaps a dark shed. Or, to keep out the pests from your garden, whilst drying your heads, you could put a paper bag on them. I have a lot of heads to dry, so using paper bags wouldn't be practical. And, I don't have a shed yet. I thought about putting the heads in my garage; but decided against it as I use my garage every day.

Drying 19 Sunflower Heads for Seeds in a Large Wicker Chest
Photo taken by JaguarJulie Ann Brady on May 31, 2013

The next logical place seemed to be my Florida Room. It is a dry and warm room that sometimes feels like a greenhouse or hot house. I have a large wicker storage chest that I purchased from Pier One Imports many years ago. Since it was not being used for anything, I am now using it for drying the sunflower heads.

Before I brought the various cut sunflower heads inside, I set them on the concrete patio out back to be sure I gave any bugs the chance to scurry away.

Inside the wicker chest, I placed one of the plastic liners from Lowe's on the bottom. Then, I put the 19 sunflower heads on top of the liner as demonstrated in the photo above.

Drying 19 Sunflower Heads for Seeds in a Large Wicker Chest
Photo taken by JaguarJulie Ann Brady on May 31, 2013

Once I had all the cut sunflower heads arranged inside the wicker chest, I shut the top of it. I didn't shut it completely, but placed 2 sets of 2 moose fabric aromatherapy coasters under the lid to let just a little bit of air inside the wicker chest.

Like that storage chest? I found the Wicker Lane Wicker Storage Deck Box at Amazon looks pretty similar to mine! I've had mine for years, and it still looks pretty much like new! Those types of chests can be used for storage or you can use them for a cocktail table in the living room. Maybe add a glass top to it? I've found that my wicker chest worked in the bedroom, living room, patio or Florida Room.

Thanks for stopping by today to be a part of my sunflower garden journey! It's been fun, you know? Check back in to see how the drying process goes!

Update: I have just written my next blog post in this series entitled, Harvesting Sunflower Seeds from the Heads. Can you guess how many sunflower seeds might be in one average sunflower head?

Insects and Critters in my Sunflower Garden

It's an assortment of insects and critters in my sunflower garden, oh my! I wondered just who was eating my sunflower plants' leaves. One sunny day in Jacksonville, Florida, I was walking amidst the three rows of sunflower plants that I grew from seed. Happily photographing this and that, being sure to capture each delightful sunflower blossom. It really wasn't until after I downloaded my sunflower garden photos from my camera. I was reviewing each photo in Photoshop and was surprised I didn't see that insect earlier.

By the way, I have found way too many people who have stolen my original photography, images, and written content. I put a lot of work into growing my gardens, doing original photography, and then writing about it. Why don't YOU go out and buy a package of seeds and try it for yourself??? It's not cool to steal other people's hard work. Why not consider being your OWN authentic self for a change!?

The very first "insect" that I spotted on the sunflower blossom.
It's a little green grasshopper.

Grasshoppers!

Yes, there he is, the little green critter! I think the little green grasshopper was plotting out his day. He probably already got in a bit of breakfast by the time that I showed up!

Not so little green grasshopper on pretty yellow sunflower blossom!

Then, a few days down the road ... why, hello! I think it is one of the original grasshopper's buddies. However, this second grasshopper surely looks a lot like the first one. Look closely at that leaf!

Hey there little buddy ... whatcha doing on my sunflower leaf?
It's another little green grasshopper. Could it be the same one?

Well, it is curious that the grasshopper doesn't look like it has grown much. That's why I figured it was another one. Take a look at that interesting hole in the leaf to the right of the little insect. Yumm Yumm!

A healthy green grasshopper sitting on a warm sunflower blossom

Fast Forward: Here is another NOT so little green grasshopper on a sunflower blossom. That grasshopper definitely has a bigger body than the previous grasshoppers.

Hey! Green grasshopper hopped on my hand!
Photo taken by JaguarJulie Ann Brady

An update: So, we had a really heavy duty thunderstorm and I was out cutting off some of the ripe sunflower heads. The sunflower plants were overloaded with weight and a couple of them broke and landed on the ground. As I was using my scissors to trim some sunflower heads and plants, I feel something on my hand. Why, it's that green grasshopper who hung on for the longest time. See?

Oh! And, it was one Saturday morning that I was squeezing between the 3 rows of sunflower plants to do a little weeding. When I came inside a while later, I was in the kitchen and there on the tile floor? A little green grasshopper! I seriously do not know where that grasshopper was spending his time until he came inside. Poor little grasshopper; he is no more!!

Moles!

You know, that little green insect wasn't the first pest that I actually spotted in my garden. I have been battling moles which have traversed nearly every part of my yard -- back, front and side! I believe it was because of the mole that some of my organic sunflower seeds never sprouted seedlings. Thus far, the moles have been camera-shy and rather elusive. When I photograph one of them, you'll be the first to know!

Black Leaf Bugs!
 
For a few days, I had been seeing a flying insect that was new to me.

Now those critters are getting serious!
Two black leaf bugs having a conference or something.

What a surprise to find two of them one morning on a sunflower leaf. That black insect rather looks like a beetle. And, it looks like they are conferring or perhaps telling each other, "I was here first; beat it!"

Another black leaf bug on my sunflower leaf.

Thus far, I have seen more black leaf bugs than any other insect eating my sunflower leaves! They seem to be most noticeable in the early mornings. When I have gotten them off the leaves, they don't fly off immediately. I've actually stepped on a few and worked them into my red mulch as conditioner! They actually squish like a juicy beetle.

Two black leaf bugs on a sunflower plant stem

It is most curious how so many times I spot the black leaf bugs in pairs. I wonder if that would be the female and male as a couple? Or, could it be the mom or the dad leaf bug mentoring their kids?

A determined black leaf bug on the sunflower plant

Some of the black leaf bugs have looked like grasshoppers. I don't believe I've actually seen any of those type of bugs which have leaf-shaped little feet.

Solitary black leaf bug on cut sunflower plant stem

After the thunderstorm had passed, I was cutting some of the broken sunflower plants. I noticed, as I brought the cuttings to the patio, that this black leaf bug just would not let go! I mean I scooted it off the cut sunflower plant and he came scurrying back to get back on the stem. Don't tell anyone ... I stepped on him. Squish! On less little black leaf bug, oh my.

Three black leaf bugs on a sunflower plant stem

The most black leaf bugs I have yet encountered on one sunflower plant is three. Normally, I can see these pesty insects in pairs. However, one morning I was concerned when I saw the three. They seem to be hanging out on my tallest Autumn Beauty sunflower plant which has a thick stem and juicy leaves. It is from the organic sunflower seeds. I've noticed those plants, from the organic seeds, took longer to "take off," but once they started to grow, the stems were thicker and the leaves were more pronounced.

Butterflies!
 
I have seen a few butterflies flitting around the sunflower garden, but was not quick enough to actually photograph any. Well, until the other day.

Monarch butterfly on Autumn Beauty Sunflower blossom

I realize my photo is a bit out of focus; however, I do believe you can make out that Monarch butterfly sitting on the Autumn Beauty sunflower blossom.

Monarch butterfly on Autumn Beauty Sunflower blossom

Thankfully, the Monarch butterfly has been visiting my sunflower garden quite a bit. I was able to capture a better photo to share. Look at the pretty mosaic colors in that butterfly's wings! Inspiring, like Mother Nature's stained glass!

Dragonflies!

Imagine my delight the morning of May 27, 2012. I came out to feed the orange male cat that visits; I didn't see the cat, but I did see a green dragonfly!

A green dragonfly resting on a yellow sunflower blossom.

I am enamored with dragonflies and love to watch them when they are migrating or mating. I captured quite a few pictures of this dragonfly and then gently nudged it. It took a short flight to a nearby leaf. Oh, yes, I nudged it again. Next it flew to the ground and I offered my finger.

That's the green dragonfly that I found on my sunflower blossom!

How cool, the dragonfly sat on my finger and allowed me to take its picture. I've photographed many a dragonfly in my day, but never got one to sit on my finger! How about that. Now, this is one critter that can come and visit anytime in my sunflower garden! I won't shoo them away.

A Common Fly 

Do we usually see the common house fly that much? Normally, I am seeing more of the teeny weeny flies or gnats. Is seems rather unusual that you would find a fly on a sunflower blossom, but I spied a fly. Take a look.

A fly spotted on a pretty Autumn Beauty sunflower blossom

See that fly up in the upper right, out there on the sunflower petal? He's a chubby little insect.

Worms in Sunflower Blossoms 

Worms in the Pretty Yellow Sunflower Blossom

June 25, 2013 - I've just added the photo above which shows two little worms crawling into the center of the sunflower. It seems that in the past week or so, that I have been seeing a lot of these little worms in the center of my blossoms! On the evening of June 24th, I was harvesting some seeds from a variety of sunflower heads. I picked up the last head and there on the tray was a pretty good sized worm that looked like a cutworm. Major creep-out moment I had; sorry, no photo opportunity to share that! But, I am on the lookout for these wormy critters!

A Ladybug and a Bee!

I had to come back to this post and add this picture. This is one of those sunflower pictures that I didn't realize I had this photo until I downloaded it and pulled it up in Photoshop! Look closely and you will see those two little critters!

A ladybug on a sunflower petal along with a bee!

There are actually two insects in this photo. No, I did not add them in! It was pretty amazing that looking at the photo in Photoshop, I first noticed the little ladybug in the upper right hand corner. Then, my eyes drifted downward to see the bee. How about that?

Just a Bee Please!

A bee on a pretty Autumn Beauty sunflower petal

We might have heard of the honey bees dying off. Thankfully, I have had plenty of bees pollinating my sunflower blossoms. Take a look at the top of the sunflower blossom, just left of center. Ah, it's a little bee I see.

2 + 2 bees on 2 pretty Autumn Beauty sunflower blossoms

Two sets of honey bees were captured on these two pretty Autumn Beauty sunflower blossoms. On the right blossom, you can see the two bees which appear connected. On the sunflower blossom to the left, there is a bee at the top of center and then one further down below.

Hummingbirds!

Probably the most inspiring vision I have had in my sunflower garden occurred twice now! Both times, it was early in the morning when I was feeding the cat. The first time, I was actually standing in the garden and heard a buzzing off the left side of my head. Not fast enough with my camera.

The second time, I had stepped out of the garden and was photographing it from a little distance away. It was just after 6:45am. The cat alerted me to the hummingbird. I snapped a few pictures and then got out my loupe to find the hummingbird in those photos!

A Hummingbird in my sunflower garden - Look closely!

You'll have to look really closely to find that hummingbird -- he was buzzing so fast and flitting about that it's hard to see him. If you follow the yellow arrow up, you can see a grayish spot just to the left of that Autumn Beauty sunflower blossom. I promise next time to get a better picture. So, I did! I found that little hummingbird returned at another time of day. I was able to capture a series of photos of that little hummingbird.

Cardinal and a Mockingbird

I haven't yet captured a photo of that male red cardinal, but I did catch his mate!

Female Cardinal sitting on the Sunflower Garden Edging

What's interesting about the male and female cardinal birds is how they approach the sunflowers in my garden. The male is quite bold in that he has already landed on one of the sunflower plant stems. He didn't stay long, but he keeps zipping around the garden. I can hear his cheeping sounds and know that he is there.

Now, the female has been a bit more timid. She lands on the edging, but doesn't really come into the garden. See her there in the lower part of the photo, just left of center.

A mockingbird on the roof near my sunflower garden

I truly enjoy watching the mockingbirds which frequent my front and back yards. On one occasion, one of them dive-bombed me when I was working on pruning a front bush. I snapped this picture one morning as I watched that mockingbird flitting around the sunflower garden.

Brown Anole Lizard

Brown anole lizard on a sunflower leaf

We have a considerable amount of brown lizards, anoles, around the yard. On several occasions, I have chased these lizards out of the house ... they are quite quick and a devil to catch. I am happy to see the brown lizards in my sunflower garden. At any time of day, when I step outside, I see them running out of the garden. They sure do have their selection of insects to snack on.

On morning, I watched one of the anoles that was sitting on a sunflower stem. Right above him was one of those black leaf bugs. The lizard snapped at the bug, but unfortunately, it flew off.

Remember the cat?

There's been an orange male tabby cat that has hung around since I first moved in. Just this morning, as I was riding my bicycle to my workout session, a neighbor stopped me. We were talking about plants in pots and how it looked like some cat peed on her one plant. Next thing, we are talking about the orange and black male cats which frequent our neighborhood.

There's my little orange buddy!

Where have you been? There you are!

That neighbor said this is a feral cat. Well, it sure has taken to me. As I have cared for ferals, strays and an assortment of domestic cats in Jacksonville, Florida, this guy feels safe around me. And, I am appreciating that he sits guard in my sunflower garden to distract any moles from tunneling through.

There you have it! I have spotlighted some interesting insects and critters found in my sunflower garden. I have yet to try any real pest control other than Spectrum HG-53944-5 "Spectracide" Triazicide Once and Done Insect Killer. I've been using the Spectracide granules for some time to treat my front yard; trying to discourage the moles from going after insects in the ground.

I did an initial treatment of Spectracide on the 9-1/2 x 15-1/2 foot garden area before I added the red mulch and ultimately the sunflower seedlings and sunflower seeds. Over the past couple of months, I have sprinkled Spectracide around the outside perimeter of the garden.

If the insects and critters in my sunflower garden continue to persist, I may opt for additional pest control. Stay tuned and I will let you know what I use! Thanks for stopping by today; nice to see you! Bzz Bzz.

Hey there! Nearly 3 months out and it is time for Drying Sunflower Heads for Harvesting the Seeds.