Sunflower

Awww, sunflowers.  What could be more "summer". These hot loving plants are supposed to attract birds who also eat bugs. They also attract bees to increase pollination. They also make delicious seeds.  But notice anything unusual about these guys?

yup, that is not a camera trick, those are TINY sunflowers.  I hijacked some seeds from a beautiful GIANT sunflower at my local community garden....seems that they are not true to parent. Turns out a little research clarified this problem

"Sunflowers will cross-pollinate and must be separated by ½ mile to ensure pure seed. Harvest the heads when they have completely filled out, lost all of their petals and the backs begin to turn brown."

Oops, That garden had a HUGE variety of sunflowers within a 1/2 mile by 1/2 mile plot.  I will follow these guys a little longer and maybe I  will still get some teeny tiny snacks out of the deal.