Tallest Sunflower, First BHV Sunflower Contest
In May 2023 BHV distributed sunflower seeds to interested participants for the first ever BHV sunflower growing contest.  There were no rules—just who could grow the tallest sunflower by mid-August. 15 people entered the contest, the youngest participant was 2 and the oldest over 80. During the first months of the contest we saw lots of rain and too many deer in the neighborhood munching on seeds.  The first report was due in July.  12 participants reported the following:

• One leaf no tops

• Planted 12 seeds, watered none grew

• All the seeds were eaten by rabbits

• One person needed more time 

• Eight people sent in photos 

As of July, some of the sunflowers were already close to 10 feet tall. The final reports were sent in on August 14th. Participants sent photos and estimated height.  A BHV member marched around the neighborhood with her 10-foot measuring pole measuring the height of the flowers. The sunflowers were all gorgeous and huge.  Four tied for first prize and one was a second prize winner. Each winner received a package of edible sunflower seeds to savor. 

Potted Plants Can Make A Garden: Backyard Garden Visit

On September 7, probably  the hottest day of the year, 7 intrepid BHV members braved the heat and walked through the neighborhood easements to visit a neighbor’s backyard.  Rumor had it that she had a backyard garden overflowing with potted plants.  The neighbor welcomed us and showed us around the front of her house, with a lovely wraparound porch and carefully manicured flower beds. We walked to the back of her house and were surprised by a landscaped paradise with an amazing array of more than 150 potted plants that included annuals and perennials. There was amazing diversity and an impressive array of different sizes and colors of plants including many different colored coleus and elephant ear plants. Some of the plants had been started from clippings, some sourced from the local Home Depot, and many were perennials that were carefully moved from the home owner’s basement to her backyard each spring and fall.  

We spent about one hour visiting the garden. People walked around with the owner who answered lots of questions about how the garden was cared for especially since so many plants were in pots.  

New friendships were made on the walk as two new BHV members came and had a chance to make several new acquaintances. The group then retreated for a lemonade.

Phil’s Farm & Plant Give Away

One discovery when you are  interested in neighborhood gardens is to never assume when you look at someone’s front yard garden you know what is in their backyard garden, that was true for Phil. Phil is a rather quiet member of BHV.  Several years ago we were chatting and he mentioned that he grew tomatoes. I asked if I could stop by sometime and pick a few tomatoes with my grandchildren. Phil said sure. I stopped by one day and walked around with him to his back yard—where I discovered he had a mini farm with dozens and dozens of tomato plants, filled with ripe plum and cherry tomatoes.  In talking to Phil I discovered that he freezes many of the tomatoes for winter soups and stews but gives many away to friends. I began to spread the word about Phil’s farm and he was able to share his tomatoes with many more neighbors.  

Phil starts all his tomatoes with seeds—so this year he has started more seeds than he had in the past, and at many of the  BHV gatherings he brings several dozen tomato seedlings to give away.  On neighborhood garden tours we always include Phil’s farm as a stop! He has tips on composting and how to scare away rabbits and deer.