Fields of gold

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You'll remember me when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley
You'll forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we walk in fields of gold

Sting, Fields of Gold

What I want to show you today aren’t fields of barley, but they’re our very own fields of gold. In the summer, the rural areas outside of Davis are dotted with expanses of sunflowers, some grown for the cut-flower market, others for seeds, and others yet for oil.

I took a friend to Sacramento International Airport this morning, located about 35 minutes from here in the midst of fields, and I snapped the photos below with my cell phone. Sunflowers may not be the most refined and sophisticated flowers, but they’re impossible to beat when it comes to cheerfulness. It’s hard not to smile when you see a sunflower, let alone an entire field of them!

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After I had pulled over to the side of the road to take these photos, a couple on a motorcycle also stopped to admire the sunflowers. I was glad they took a moment to enjoy this beautiful sight. The other cars were just rushing by.

Comments

  1. AlanJuly 6, 2013 at 3:50 PM

    Fields of sunflowers in bloom are a wonderful thing! Years ago I drove past them in Kansas. Sorry to say that I didn't stop. I would today though. :)

    I can't imagine how many bees there must be... your photos show some of them, but even my few sunflowers attract dozens and dozens!

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    1. Gerhard Bock (Succulents and More)July 6, 2013 at 4:02 PM

      You're right, there were LOTS of bees. Many sunflower fields have bee boxes along the perimeter, and sunflower honey is a staple at our farmers market.

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  2. danger gardenJuly 6, 2013 at 10:42 PM

    I had no idea! Beautiful. Towards the end of her gardening time my grandmother discovered sunflowers and grew them with cheerful abandon. I always think of her when I see them. Thanks for the memory.

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    1. Gerhard Bock (Succulents and More)July 7, 2013 at 2:20 PM

      Davis is located in the heart of an agricultural area. We're surrounded by tomato, sunflower and rice fields. Tomato fields aren't so scenic, but the other two are.

      "Cheerful abandon" is a wonderful way of putting it. That's what I want to do when I grow old: grow *everything* with cheerful abandon.

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  3. Mark and GazJuly 7, 2013 at 12:22 AM

    That looks spectacular! One is cheerful enough, a vast expanse of them, wow!

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    1. Gerhard Bock (Succulents and More)July 7, 2013 at 2:21 PM

      Every year I look forward to seeing these sunflower fields. They're one of my favorite sights of summer.

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  4. Candice Suter.....SweetstuffJuly 8, 2013 at 5:44 PM

    Wow, what a sunny post my friend!

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