Comments on: Whiptips: Sunflower recycling

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 16:03:08 +0000

Thanks for the ideas! I have a range of sizes, so I’ll probably be able to make something with whole stems and make some paper.

By: Julie

Julie — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 00:35:23 +0000

I cut the dried heads and hang them strategically around the yard–gold finches in particular love to go to them for the remaining seeds.

I also love the paper idea!

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 16:41:02 +0000

I have some really tall ones left over from last year. I used them to create the framework for a tipi that will eventually be covered with morning glory and beans. It will also double as my four year old’s playhouse!

Here’s a photo of the framework:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/smartcakes/534044017/

By: Chris

Chris — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 01:50:26 +0000

I love to use the stocks for three things. I once made an arbor with stocks and then grew a jasmine vine on it. It worked great. I also like to use string and tie them in a criss/cross pattern for a great trellis. I also use single stocks to support plants the next season including other sunflowers. If you love sunflowers check out http://www.sunflowerOcity.com The Ultimate Sunflower Site.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 00:06:03 +0000

We use ours as bird perches too! If you have the heavy duty, huge sunflowers, use the stalks the following summer as bean tepees or plant climbers (morning glorys, etc) on them. Good Idea about the paper, I’ll try that with my smaller plants.

By: pikojiko

pikojiko — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 10:11:25 +0000

Why not use them to make a wonderful paper? The stems can be chopped up for fiber and bulk, while the leaves and petals(after soaking) can be “artfully” place in the paper.

By: sam

sam — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 07:34:36 +0000

we just leave them standing until the next summer – birds in our yard love to use them as perches.