Sunflowers welcome summer time, smiles

  • Wild sunflowers fill a field along Farm to Market Roas 1466 (above) and County Road 456 (right) near Coupland on Tuesday, June 3.
    Wild sunflowers fill a field along Farm to Market Roas 1466 (above) and County Road 456 (right) near Coupland on Tuesday, June 3.
  • Wild sunflowers fill a field along Farm to Market Roas 1466 (above) and County Road 456 (right) near Coupland on Tuesday, June 3.
    Wild sunflowers fill a field along Farm to Market Roas 1466 (above) and County Road 456 (right) near Coupland on Tuesday, June 3.
  • A sunflower beginning to bloom.
    A sunflower beginning to bloom.
  • A sunflower soaks up the sun’s rays in Murphy Park on Friday, May 30.
    A sunflower soaks up the sun’s rays in Murphy Park on Friday, May 30.
  • An ant makes its way around the yellow petals.
    An ant makes its way around the yellow petals.
  • A sunflower withers.
    A sunflower withers.

    Happy flowers. Officially, they’re wild sunflowers, but just seeing them adorning the landscape brings joy. 

    While the large ones that people take time to plant are nice, their smaller cousins are growing in abundance as summer nears. Everywhere you go, particularly in the area of East Williamson County, they are a presence. Their warm colors make them stand out, whether next to a field of corn, or blowing in the Texas wind near cattle or horses. 

    The ones photographed here were seen in a Taylor city park a few days ago, in addition to a field of sunflowers in Coupland on Tuesday evening. I was able to snap away for about 30 minutes at the park without worrying that my camera’s presence was in any way a hindrance. My time in Coupland was also peaceful. 

    Full disclosure, friends. I am in no way a fan of Texas summers. They’re incredibly hot, often very dry. Wild sunflowers, however, bring a smile each time I see them. And I see them a lot right now. 

    Take a drive in the countryside. Fill your souls with these elegant flowers. 

    Photos
    Follow the Light