Giant Sungold Sunflower

The first bloom has opened on one of my "Giant Sungold" Sunflower plants. Back in May, I purchased a 4-pack of this variety at the Food for Lane County Youth Farm Plant Sale. To be honest, I had no idea what "Giant Sungold" looked like. I just thought it was  probably a tall variety with a traditional open center framed with golden petals. Well, I was completly off on that guess! "Giant Sungold" is a full-size version of "Teddybear" sunflowers. Now that the first plant has bloomed, I have to say I an kind of taken with this sweet, fuzzy bloom. It wasn't what I expected but it is still bright and cheery and embodies Summertime.

*Today is the 3rd day in a row we have broken the record for the day's highest recorded temperature. Today was only 100, cooler than the last two days and tied with Wednesday. Thankfully, after today, it is suppose to start cooling down. Four days in a row of 100 degrees or higher is enough for me.