I didn't plan to do it. I can't believe I did it. But I did. I cut the first 2 sunflowers to bloom in my garden for the floral bouquet composed in connection with the meme sponsored by Cathy at
Rambling in the Garden. As perspective on my crime, I had recently read about a gardener who routinely cuts back her sunflowers to get shorter, bushier flower stalks later in the season. I'd wondered if that would be a good idea in my garden, where the tall sunflower stalks have previously blown over or been snapped by the strong winds that blow through here almost daily. However, I'd planted my sunflowers,
Helianthus annuus 'Valentine,' from seed and, given the spotty nature of my success in growing plants from seed, I was especially hesitant to cut them, particularly as they were the only blooms I had thus far. I don't know what possessed me but here they are, front and center, in today's bouquet.
I accented them with stems of
Abelia grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope,'Coleonema pulchellum 'Sunset Gold,'Tanacetum parthenium 'Aureum' and sprigs of an unidentified lavender.
![]() |
| A slightly blurry close-up showing the beautiful variegated foliage of Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' and the feathery foliage of the Coleonema (aka Breath of Heaven) |
![]() |
| Bouquet photographed from the back |
Even my cat, Pipig, seemed surprised.
![]() |
| Do I sense judgment in her eyes? |
Please
visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden to see her bouquet. You'll also find links to other gardeners' creations. I'm sure there are other surprises to discover.
