Ahhh… the sunflowers and amaranth in the gardens in the dene! They grace and share space with the more practical vegetables and herbs, and feel like friends visiting when weeding and harvesting in the garden. I call them volunteers. They planted themselves as self-seeding annuals last fall, survived the cold winter and emerged in spring, thriving at the right time to grow, best suited to them. The sunflowers stand tall, their cheery faces of yellows and browns surrounded by abundant seed clusters, lush green foliage and bees. The amaranth, deep maroon maturing into red, droop and sway, beckoning all to their beauty. Both are used in cut flower bouquets and add color and depth to an inviting education garden. They also beckon birds, gold finches in particular, reminding me of these words from Mary Oliver’s “Invitation”:

“as they strive
       melodiously
                not for your sake
                       and not for mine
and not for the sake of winning
       but for sheer delight and gratitude-
                believe us, they say,
                       it is a serious thing
just to be alive
        on this fresh morning
                in the broken world.
                      I beg of you,”

Come share in the delight and gratitude expressed by amaranth and sunflowers… and goldfinches too …in the gardens in the dene!

– Ann Ogden Hausslein | Hildene Farm Gardens Manager & Educator