Mexican mint marigold seeds

I find collecting seeds very satisfying. Witnessing nature first hand and the promise each seed holds for tomorrow makes me happy. Clockwise from left, dried Mexican mint marigold flowers, empty sepal, petals, and precious seeds.

Sunflower life cycle

Sunflowers are among my favorite because they are so showy, pollinators love them, and they produce edible seeds. Sunflowers were among the first food plants domesticated in North America, along with squash, lamb's quarters, and barley.

In early March, my first sunflowers sprouted.

Icicle anole

A brown baby anole, just a few inches long, takes refuge among icicle radish seed pods.