What is it with sunflowers? They are so bright and happy, everyone loves them, and yet they bring out all the neighbourhood low-lifes. Poor Ali had all 6 of hers completely stolen (I assume destined for a vase), and today I went out to discover this!
I guess it could have been birds or something, but last night we had the street christmas party at our place, and there were heaps of kids running round. People were sending round the word that the party had been moved from the park to the “house with the sunflower”, so it certainly got a lot of attention. I saw it looking just fine at sundown, and yet this morning it looked like this.
Do you think this is the type of damage a bird could do?
I’m not convinced, but I hope I’m wrong.
In happy news, my apples are starting to ripen. I was surprised actually, because for some reason I thought an ‘Anna’ apple was kinda golden in colour.
Clearly that’s not the case, because it’s turning red! A quick google image search tells me that this red blush is approaching the colour of a ripe Anna. It will spread a bit more and turn a deeper red, but I think I’m about 2-3 weeks away from apple-y goodness.
Also close to ready are my bird’s eye chillis. I don’t actually know the variety, because they were a gift from Sarah of Kitchen Adventures, but they are a seriously tough plant. It over-wintered easily and continues to be amazingly productive.
If anyone is interested in some seeds, let me know in the comments and I’ll send you some once I get a ripe chilli.
500m2 in Sydney 
The chillies will stay black like that for a couple of weeks, and then one hot sunny day – BAM! – they’ll turn red and be ready to pick.
Also, RIP sunflower.
I have had similar things happen though it has been with my agapatha. Some little B* keeps knocking the top off them. I know they are next to the footpath, but seriously, they are there so it looks nice as you walk by.
L I feel for you on the sunflower thing, I just try to be zen about things like that in the garden, otherwise I think I’d have given up by now. Your little chilli sounds wonderful – if Sarah is right and they go BAM and turn red that is one exciting little veg.
I’ve actually come to the conclusion that it was cockatoos. Makes me feel a lot better.
Oh those apples… what is my Anna doing? Nothing. Absolutely nothing… I am not sure that I can come here again. I’m so so JEALOUS!
Oh no Ali! My Golden Dorset did nothing too, so you’re not alone. And I’m just setting myself up for disappointment when the cockatoos take my apples on the day they ripen.