The problem is, that as time passes the hybridization that had been put into the original seeds dissipates and what we get are these wild-ass f-2 and I suppose all the way to f-5 generations plants that take on a life of their own. Sure the first ones were called Van Gough Specials and the commercial ones for bird food, had giant heads but once they do a little crossing, the results are very different from the hyped up varieties.
This is not all that bad. It is just that these rangy monsters not only don't produce huge poundage of seeds, and they don't have huge variety off colors that Van Gough might have cut an ear for, they are just huge with a multitude of smallish flowers---almost like wild sun flowers. They do have a presence.
Now, I am really not complaining, but they do use up a great deal of space and suck nutrients, as well as set up huge shaded areas where we are trying to desperately grow carrots. I could take them out but for one reason, and one reason only, a few are allowed to stay, usually on the periphery. In the fall, The finches absolutely love these action packed feed boxes. Starting in Sept, when most of the garden is well over, they go to bloom and the Gold finches flood in. Chickadees grab a single seed and head for the bushes. It is a cafe deluxe.
They are so happy to find fat seeds and a nice place to perch and pick, there is no way I can cut them down without being shattered with guilt. But as the flowers are gleaned, they are but stalks and need to go back to the soil. The chain saw is a joke of course, but the size of these things is profound. Fall has arrived and the garden must rest and the Gold Finches must move away. Another good year for our friends.
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