Wildlife value of Sunflower — an unexpected bonus

I planted Sunflower primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. exceptional wildlife value for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a wildflower meadow replacing lawn areas which allows me to watch the activity up close. early spring bulbs and annual seedling germination is the most active period for wildlife visits. allowing plants to set seed before cutting at the end of season is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. poor germination in compacted or clay soils is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.