Summer Memories from my Garden – Sunflowers

smAJR-ICON-Sunflower-heavy-head-1BTwo of my greatest earthly loves often produce great inspiration to one another and combine for lasting results… gardening and painting.

Since I was a young girl I have loved growing flowers.  I remember studying the shapes and forms of them, how the sunlight would shine through the petals on a backlit flower and watching butterflies, dragonflies and bees played in the garden… even as a child they fascinated me.

This Mammoth Russian Sunflower grew on my hillside garden earlier this summer and I spent a day capturing its beauty to have with me so much longer than one of these beautiful flowers can keep its glory.

What are your favorite flowers of summer?  I’d love you to share them in the comments section!