The sunflowers have been around longer than many people can remember and have become an informal icon of the space.  In the Summer of 2017 one stalk reached higher than 12 feet.

 

They seed themselves so prolifically that the seedlings have to be weeded each Spring.

 

When the flowers are finished we keep the seed heads for birds. Goldfinches are particularly noticeable during that time in the Garden.  

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Sunflowers are among the best plants for phytoremediation of lead and other toxins.

The common sunflower has been the subject of numerous studies and is used to extract heavy metals and toxins including Lead, Uranium, Strontium, Cesium, Chromium, Cadmium, Copper, Magnesium, Nickel, and Zinc.

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If you’re looking to clean up your soil, or just want to enjoy the beauty of these flowers in your garden, here are some great varieties to try:

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Soraya — a nice bright orange sunflower that grows to about 6 feet with a single stem.

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Ring of Fire — a multicolored starbust sunflower that’s around 3 to 4 feet tall.

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Russian Mammoth — a beautiful yellow flower that can grow to be 8 feet tall!

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Velvet Queen — red and orange with burgundy undertones and grows to an average of 5 feet.