Nothing says summer like a mass of SUNFLOWERS.  If one were painting with flowers rather than pigments a bright yellow blossom from Helianthus annuus  would surely serve as the sun.  Fortunately for us, these cheerful annuals continue to light Texas gardens as other blooms fade under scorching summer rays.

The sunflowers at Horsetail Haven appeared several years ago, perhaps as a gift from passing birds, breezes or pedestrians.  Each year they reseed providing pleasure for humans and food for insects and birds.  Buzzing bees and other flying insects appear as soon as the flowers open.  Ann Marie has even seen hummingbirds hovering at the sunny blooms, but doesn't know if they actually use sunflower nectar as a food source or are merely curious.  As the flower heads fade and become loaded with seeds the patch is aflutter with finches and chickadees.  Especially charming are the flocks of black backed chickadees that appear in the fall.  For easy care and enjoyment, let some wild sunflowers grow in your yard.  Ann Marie is certainly glad she did!

BOOK REVIEW:  A Garlic Testament by Stanley Crawford
First published in 1992, this delightful book only recently fell into Ann Marie's possession.  (Thanks Lucia!)  In honest language it tells of life on a New Mexico farm that specializes in garlic but also raises other produce and flowers.  The chapters are arranged in four sections, one for each season and describe the events and duties occurring at that time.  Presented is not only a very readable narrative on growing garlic, but also the history of the farm and even philosophy of the owners.  While primarily a discussion and description of garlic cultivation, harvest and sales, this small book also touches on such wide ranging topics as magpies and even Los Alamos National Laboratory.  If you are a garlic enthusiast or a fan of farmers' markets, Mr. Crawford has written a book that is bound to please.

Bird Friends in the Garden
This year we were delighted to have at least two nests of Purple Martins in the apartment house that perches on a pole in our front yard.  Our soaring guests, combined with those from other houses in the neighborhood, provided entertainment better than that found on cable television as the birds chattered, swooped and soared.

There are newly hatched baby Cardinals in the nest the parents wisely built in the 'Red Cascade' rose in the back yard.  The thorns surely provide protection when the parents are away.  We are certainly looking forward to watching them learn to fly.

Numerous Carolina Wrens are continually hopping around the garden, serving as pest eliminators.  Their musical calls are heard from sun up to sun down.  There surely must be a nest somewhere but it hasn't been sighted.