More 2004 Garden Picutres

2004 Garden Results (page 1)

I would have to say that this has been an average year so far. I still have some plants that still have some time before reaching full height.   I lost quite a few plants because of a host of diseases and pests, from sunflower downy mildew to stem borers.  I had one Diane's strain that looked very promising, but it collapsed after a heavy rain because of stem borer damage.   This year was my first attempt at growing giant marrows.  They didn't get as large as I would have liked, but it was a good first attempt.

(above) A nearly 11 foot Thomspon & Morgan Russian Giant, not yet in bloom (left)and a nearly 9 foot Suttons Giant Yellow in bloom.  Picture Taken on 7/24/04 in New York.    (above left)  Garden at my place in NY.  This garden received nearlyzero care.  The tallest sunflower on the left is a ~11 foot Thompson & Morgan Russian Giant. The tallest sunflower on the right is a ~11 foot Suttons Giant Yellow.  Both plants are not yet in bloom, but from their flower bud size, I'm expecting the Giant Yellow to end up the tallest.    Picture taken on 7/24/04 in New York.  (left) Suttons Giant Yellow sunflower head.  Picture taken on 7/24/04 in New York.

(left) On the right of me is a 12 foot Ripley's Believe It or Not -Giant Sunflower, and to my left is a 14 foot Bott's Strain sunflower.  This is the first year I've grown these varieties.  Bott's Strain seems to consistently produce 12 foot or better sunflowers.  It's unusual compared to other giants in that it has a narrow stalk and small leaves.  I find that they need less space than other giant varieties.  pictures taken on 7/30/04 in New Jersey. (far left) A 12 foot Bott's Strain sunflower that is bagged for breeding.  Picture taken on 7/30/04 in New York.

(left) I know, I know!  This isn't a giant sunflower.  I'm now trying my hand at growing giant marrows.  Marrows are closely related to zuchinnis.  Marrows are considered a autumn squash, unlike zuchinnis that are considered a summer squash, and butternut & hubbard that are considered a winter squash.  These are popular in the UK, and are rarely grown in the United States.  These seeds were given to me by Bernard Lavery who holds the World Record for the largest marrow at over a 100 pounds.  Obviously, mine didn't get anywhere near that, but Imost of mine are large watermelon sized. I haven't weighed them yet, but I'm guessing a few might be close to 30 pounds.

(left) IPicture of two 9 foot American Giant Hybrid sunflowers taken on 7/18/04 in New Jersey.  These sunflowers didn't get as tall as they should have.  These plants currently have the largest leaves out of any of my sunflowers this year at over 2 feet in length and width.  American Giant Hybrid will be available in 2005.  (right) Picture of an 11 foot Unwins Giant Single taken on 7/30./04.  In the background is a nearly 10 foot Mr. Fothergill's Giant Single.

More 2004 Garden Picutres