Last week the boys and I set out to McKee Besher’s Wildlife Management Area to experience miles of lovely sunflower fields. Did you know that these things of beauty originated in North America? There are over 60 different species of sunflowers, with most of them found in open areas in the Great Plains. Even though the flower looks like a single flower, it actually hosts hundreds of tiny flowers called florets. The florets are the little brown specs found within the center of the flower.
Sunflower fields,
Sixty miles from home
Standing tall 
Sunflower fields,
sprinkled happiness everywhere you look
Huge petals
Buzzing Bees
Their constant hum intimidating
Sunflower fields, sun setting
Camera clicking
Must work quickly
Capturing light
Enjoying the moment
Sunflower fields, two boys wandering
Lost in a sea of beauty
Happy moments
Wishing for a few minutes more
Spirals of yellow
Creeping slowly
Toddling among the vines
Watching the petals fall to the ground
A few more minutes
Memories embellished with discovery
Thankful with bliss for a magical evening
Here are a few fun facts about this amazing flower:
1. The sunflower grows between 5 to 12 feet tall.
2. State flower of Kansas and national flower of Russia.
3. In order for sunflowers to reach their max height they require full sunlight.
4. The tallest sunflower on record was over 25 feet tall (in the Netherlands). Wow!
5. Sunflower uses: the seeds are edible, the roasted seeds can be used as coffee substitute, the oil can be extracted and used for making soap and cooking, and the pith of the stalk have been used to make life preservers
Have a wonderful labor day weekend!
What have you been up to this week? This week I’m getting out there and linking up to Life Rearranged, This or That Thursday, Shoot, Edit, Submit, Favorite Photo Friday, On Snap, Photo Friday, Essence of Now.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: sarahmhalstead
August 31, 2012 at 4:45 PM
These are great.
So fun!!
Sarah recently posted..Friday Favorites {Week #5}
LOVE all the sunflower photos…especially the one with one taller than the rest. I’ve been wanting to shoot a sunflower field, but am too afraid to invade someone’s garden! You did a great job with these!
Thankfully this is a nature preserve so I didn’t have to worry about that!
I am already looking forward to going back next year.
Gorgeous photos my dear!!! I bet you all had fun!!!
The things we learn on the internet! I didn’t know all that about sunflowers. Your photos are so clear and colorful and the boys are just as cute as a bug’s ear!
bettyl recently posted..Spring has finally sprung!
Thanks so much! I had a lot of fun taking them.
Twitter: hellonurse182
September 1, 2012 at 11:07 AM
Awesome photos! Sunflowers just amaze me!
Sarah recently posted..A Little Harvest Update
They are amazingly beautiful aren’t they?
Twitter: KristenPGIP
September 1, 2012 at 7:52 PM
This made me so happy! These flowers truly are the sunshine that my heart craves! Looks like a great way to spend some time and capture some beautiful memories.
Kristen recently posted..Where Has Our Patience Gone?
This looks awesome! I’ll have to check them out. I didn’t even know they existed.
Thanks for joining us!
Natalie @MamaTrack recently posted..Essence of Now (August 31, 2012)
Love all of these pictures!
We usually plant a few sunflowers every year but this year we didn’t for some reason. Must get them in the ground again next year. They are always so pretty to look at.
Jessica recently posted..An Ode To A Missing Friend
Thanks! We are planning to do a little sunflower garden in our yard next year. This year we were focusing on the front of our house. Our soil is horrible and full of nothing but rocks since we are in a fairly new housing development. Hopefully next spring we can have someone come and professionally till the yard.
Whoa, 25 feet tall! What?! That’s crazy! These are all gorgeous shots! They are such a pretty and cheery flower!