Bee-friendly? Growing sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) in your edible, school, ornamental, and/or container garden is a fun way to welcome bees and other pollinators while boosting multi-sensory pleasure. As I taught students recently, we can all cultivate resilience for people & planet through gardening community.
This summer, here’s a number of ways for us to grow the good together:
- Plant your own sunflowers using seeds from local seed suppliers or those saved in your personal collection;
- Participate in one of several citizen science pollinator projects, such as the Great Sunflower Project;
- Purchase, share, and/or sow LBF ‘Lemon Queen’ sunflower seed cards;
- Learn more about the topics of resilience and other science-based practices.
As a social enterprise, all proceeds from Lavender Belle Farm sales are reinvested to fulfill my mission of promoting people-plant connections through therapeutic horticulture and gardening for wellness education.
For many people, sunflowers are a symbol of strength & resilience. In addition, sunflowers possess an ability known as heliotropism: budding flowers “turn toward the light” as the sun moves from east to west.
Why Sunflowers?
Sunflowers make me happy, which is one of many reasons why I’m eager to share them with you. Read more below or check out this Fine Gardening feature that highlights my sunflower origin story, which began on our former Portland farm.
The Great Sunflower Project
After several years of growing sunflowers, I discovered that a pollinator favorite, ‘Lemon Queen,’ is featured in the Great Sunflower Project. Learn more about how citizen scientists are protecting native bees and how you might participate by planting sunflowers in your community.
Year of the Sunflower
Did you know that 2021 was “The Year of the Sunflower?” That’s also the year I grew sunflowers on a Beacon Hill, Seattle rooftop, which I used to create my first LBF line of sunflower seed cards.
Check out the National Garden Bureau’s site – so many great resources. And shouldn’t we celebrate sunflowers EVERY year? Let’s grow together!
Sunflower Activity Facilitation
$0 – $50
I love leading activities that incorporate play, creativity, and exploration of the many benefits of people-plant connections! Drop me an email to request a 30 – 60 minute sunflower activity at your greater Seattle area school, organization, or community center. Gardens serving low-income and/or underrepresented communities may be eligible for a free facilitation (as schedule permits).
This package includes:
Activity Facilitation
Sunflower mini seed cards and accompanying materials
Additional resources and activities based upon the age range of participants (i.e. education on the growing cycle of a seed, why bees are important, the many varieties and uses of sunflowers)
Lavender Belle Farm 