Sunflowers in the Lower Field—and the Bees!

A treat? Yes...before you miss the chance, drive by the farm between the barn and Rolston Road...and check the field that Seth planted in the spring: I've seen the kale, buckwheat and blue vervain...but the sunflowers are breathtaking. Take them in while they are blooming bright and happily as they are. It's really an amazing site. Me? I ventured into the field to take some close-up photos: I knew the bees would be there too. :) Honeybees are the must numerous insect visiting sunflower crops. "The bright, large flower heads of sunflowers (Helianthus annuus and cultivars) present a nectar and pollen mother lode for their pollinators, which are bees of all kinds. Each flower head's central disc contains many smaller tubular disc flowers, each with its own supply of nectar and pollen. The showy outer ray petals help attract the pollinators. Bees go from flower to flower within the disc, becoming covered with pollen. They then pollinate other sunflowers as they go from plant to plant. The success of sunflower as a crop for seeds and oil depends totally on bees." (homeguides.sfgate.com).