The Crawfordsville Seed Library hosted a sunflower contest this summer. The event prompted Montgomery County participants to grow sunflowers in their gardens this year. Free seeds were available from the library supply, or participants were able to use their own.
Entries were made in three categories: tallest sunflower, largest sunflower head and Me and My Sunflower (creative) category.
The contest proved to be wildly popular, with each category having more than 20 entries. Winners received admission tickets, a mug courtesy of Oakhill Tree Farms pumpkin patch and a sunflower LEGO set.
Winners for the tallest sunflower are Nora, Jonas and Simon Carlson, 14 feet tall; largest flower head, Douglas Keeling, 18 inches wide; and Oakley Benge, most creative Me and My Sunflower.
The seed library was impressed with all the entries and the overwhelming response to the contests. Co-chairs Janella Nunan and Andria Grady encourage everyone to save their sunflower seeds and make plans to participate next year.
“Sunflowers are so much fun and easy to grow,” Grady said. “They are quite useful too. They provide seeds for wildlife, remove toxins from soil, and make us smile.”
The seed library is organized by the Master Gardeners of Montgomery County and the Crawfordsville District Public Library. Ongoing programs and seed distribution are free to area residents. Inquiries for programs or making donations can be emailed to cvilleseedlibrary@gmail.com.
