Since the beginning of my time here I have had an abundance of volunteer sunflowers of two types: Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and Beach Sunflower (Helianthus debilis).
There is now a third kind that I introduced intentionally as a small plant from a friend’s garden in spring: Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani).

All of the sunflowers here are popular with insects and birds. They have also been useful in filling space while the garden is still being developed. And when they are cut down, the plants get shredded to be used as mulch to feed the soil.
Next year I expect even more sunflower plants to grow because of the number of seeds that are on the ground now, but I will be more selective in what I allow to stay to give other plants a chance.


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