In August about six years ago. I was driving around Macon, Georgia, observing what few flowers were surviving the August heat and drought conditions. I was also looking for tough low maintenance flowers for my gardening business. I kept noticing several groups of these yellow flowers growing by the side of the road with no maintenance at all.

One hot August day, I turned on Napier Avenue. To my surprise, I found a yard full of these bright yellow flowers. Since I had never met a gardener that seemed like a stranger, I stopped to inquire about the flowers. I soon realized I was in the presence of a "true southern gardener." My admiration of his flowers triggered a natural response to share. (It's a condition that seems to affect all gardeners, some more than others.) I learned he first got the seeds when he was in San Antonia, Texas, where they were growing abundantly like wild flowers. He shared with me how he would scatter the brown eye susan seeds as he drove through different areas of Macon.

I thought my discovery of the hardy Brown-eyed Susan (sunflower family) was a rare find. I was in for an even greater surprise!

American Goldfinch To my delight, a small golden yellow bird kept showing up to eat the seeds produced by this flower. It was often difficult to see this elusive bird since the yellow flowers and the bird's color blended so well. (Did you notice the bird in the first photo above?) The bird would also fly away quickly from any hint of danger.

The generous gardener like the smart little golden bird, had rather remain unseen. I was glad to let him know, I and many others will always be grateful for his contribution of a lovely flower that attracts such a pretty bird. It's ability to bloom through August in middle Georgia heat is a timely inspiration for the year round gardener

A Gardener's View ----------
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