Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Sunflower Tea

Even though summer has faded into autumn in many parts of the U.S., it still looks and feels like summer in my part of the country.  So yesterday I prepared for Tea Tuesday on my back patio, where I enjoyed a glass of homemade, freshly squeezed lemonade in a to-go cup I got recently when my friend Sally and I had lunch at this restaurant.   Although I added ice to the lemonade, it didn't take long for it to melt.

So what, you ask, do sunflowers have to do with this post (other than the obvious sunflower placemat and napkin)?


It's because my late (autumn) blooming sunflowers have finally bloomed.  In fact, many bloomed last week, but it was too windy and overcast to get a photo.  Can you see the bee sitting in the center flower? I realize my camera SUCKS, and I have to use the lowest resolution possible when I save my photos, but


maybe if I back up a bit, you can see both a bee (on the bottom center flower) and a butterfly (on the flower directly above it) that are attracted to this cluster of flowers.  And they aren't the only ones, because I counted six bees and at least that many butterflies on various other flowers that I didn't photograph.  Of course, bees scare me because I was bitten by one a couple of years ago and really swelled up.  I'm pretty sure I'm allergic to them, although I would NEVER hurt a bee, intentionally or otherwise.


As I began putting these in my vase, I realized I should explain these are not your typical sunflowers.  The sunflowers I'm most familiar with (and Kansas's state flower) are singe stemmed and have large heads, just like on the placemat and napkin.  These have multiple flowers on a single stem, as you can see from the ones I have not yet cut for the vase.


It was now time to drink my lemonade, which was starting to look quite cloudy.  Then it was off to my craft room where I pressed these flowers so I can use them in my art this winter.  Have a super Tea Tuesday everyone.  Feel free to join in any Tuesday.

15 thoughtful remarks:

Debrina said...

It's been a long time since I visited Bluebeard and your page. Great to see these sunny, sunflowers. They are so cheerful. I could do with some of that lemonade too. Bangkok, which is where we reside currently, is very hot!!

Lisa Graham said...

I am rather partial to sunflowers of any sort and to our gorgeous Kansas fall weather. I wish it would never end, don't you! I hope you get many days to enjoy your yard too!

ooglebloops said...

I am back for tea again - and glad to see you are here - love your sunflowers!!! Drop by if you get a chance!!

~*~Patty S said...

You had me at fresh lemonade and then I was thinking your pretty flowers would make a lovely bouquet and sure enough...
they are not only beautiful to look at but nature magnets too...it's encouraging to see more bees out and about!

Happy Tea Tuesday dear E
oxo

SandeeNC said...

I love your sunflowers Elizabeth, they are so pretty. I miss having a yard sometimes, and growing flowers is one of the events I miss. I did manage to grow some zinnias, maybe I'll try sunflowers next summer. I really need a bigger balcony! lol waving hi from the hills of North Carolina :)

Healing Woman said...

Better late on the blooming of your sunflowers than not at all. It is always special to display and enjoy one's own flowers..especially when they are sunflowers! Your plantings look so healthy and lovely all lined up!

Rita said...

I could tell they weren't the usual sunflowers, but I really like them a lot. They have wider petals and, if possible, look happier. ;)

Craftymoose Crafts said...

Glad you are still enjoying summer! We have had some rain and wind lately; if you judge by the trees, Autumn is almost over, too!

These are beautiful sunflowers! Last year I grew a small variety of sunflowers that were maroons, pinks, yellows, etc, one flower to a stalk.

Miss Skully is on her way to you tomorrow!

Carolyn Dube said...

Your flowers are beautiful! I can't wait to see how you use them once they are pressed!

Margaret said...

A beautiful burst of colour at the end of the season! love that vase of yours!! Mx

Darla said...

Your flowers look a lot like our Jerusalem artichokes, a species of sunflower with an edible root/bulb. So cheerful. Hope you enjoyed your tea outdoors.

Darla

Unknown said...

I LOVE your flowers- it doesn't feel like Summer around here (in Georgia) anymore, but our Swamp Sunflowers are still going strong, plus a few other things! Enjoy it while it lasts, before we know it, we'll be longing for spring flowers...
Hugs,
Stephanie

Dianne said...

Delightful flowers, and what wonderful weather too! It's warm in Ohio too, and I'm wondering if this is the last 'hurrah' before it gets cold...just a few more days please!

Halle said...

Pretty, pretty flowers! Here it is Thursday and I'm finally visiting. BTW-it snowed here today. :)

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