This is the first of our “accidental” sunflowers this year. I’ve been watching it as it sprung up near the hickory tree in my back yard. A few times I thought it was to thin and unhealthy looking to make it. Being so close to the tree, I’m sure the availability of soil without extensive tree roots might inhibit its growth. Adding to the odds against it, the five or six squirrels who run up and down that tree do not have the preservation of this flower on their minds. I figured they would knock it down.
But here it is, in all its beauty! A symbol of perseverance! Everything that was against it was overcome. Like the plants we see sometimes that grow through the concrete, this sunflower has survived and thrived. It’s not very big, about 4 inches across, but it is very bold and bright!
Why is it an “accidental” sunflower? I’m glad you asked.
This sunflower is alive and blooming due to a tumble out of the bird feeder into a favorable environment to germinate and begin growth. I certainly didn’t plant it there. Did it drop out of a bird’s beak? Did the squirrels carry it over by the tree? I don’t know. But I have several accidental sunflowers in my yard. I mow around them! I enjoy the serendipity of location and types of sunflowers that spring from the feeders in my back yard.
It’s always surprising to me to notice the variety and types of sunflowers. I do have some intentional sunflowers as well. Supposedly they’ll be 6 or 7 feet tall and have ginormous blooms. We’ll see. They didn’t perform that well last year!
The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. - Song of Solomon 2:12
I wanted to share these accidental sunflowers with you. They are a reminder that there are accidental blessings in our lives, things we didn’t know were coming. Sometimes it’s just a smile. Sometimes it’s more significant. But always we should keep our eyes open for them … I think it happens more than we realize. And I’m not so sure it’s all accidental.
I like the shot of the birds on the feeder. Looks like they’re talking it over :-)
Thank you for sharing!