woman standing in the tall sunflowers - A start in the universe with the pebble

Good Day, Sunshine! Picking Sunflowers at Sanborn Farms

As I grow in my life as a Western New Yorker, I am embracing more local traditions. One of those is the beautiful, tall sunflower gardens that grow here. It is a late summer tradition that I am happy to make mine.

tall sunflowers against blue sky

Building Roots: Making a Home in Buffalo

A new residence doesn't truly become a home right away. Homes are born of traditions, and traditions require time. They require roots literally and figuratively. As we enter our fourth year in Buffalo, I feel that these roots have truly begun to take hold. We know neighbors. I joined a friend here and brought my family. 

These are the seeds of traditions.

woman in overalls standing in front of rows of sunflowers

Just like the seeds that will fall from these flowers to become next year's flowers, these explorations in my new hometown become seeds of future traditions. Growing up in the South had its own traditions. Some I choose to keep, but I am loving the four seasons my new home brings.

Seasonal Joy: Experiencing All Four Seasons in Buffalo

Late summer sunflower season is something special! Growing up in a state where summer is almost six months and the rest of the year is an extended fall/spring, the passing of seasons and watching plants change, pass, and return brings such beauty to my life. Going to a place to see sunflowers is a thing, and I am here for it! Then there are fall things, e.g. apple picking, pumpkins, corn, and so on and so forth.Winter has its own beauty, and finally, don't get me started on spring! It's just a beautiful cycle that I never had the chance to experience.

This experience was at Sunflowers of Sanborn, and they are open until September 14th.

 

Going to Sanborn's sunflowers was more than just creating another Buffalo moment. I now have beautiful flowers for my home. I have loved sunflowers since I was in grad school, and I was given two giant ones for my 27th birthday. I have always wanted a wall of them at my home.

Planting it Forward: Sunflower Seeds and Future Traditions

Another wonderful element at Sanborn's is that they both sell the seeds, and inform their customers on how to dry the seeds from the flower heads you buy to grow future plants. How cool is that?

While I am closer to a "Dexter" of plants than a green thumb, Louise was very encouraging that I can do this. I shall to start the process at the end of May. Stay tuned...

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Speaking of keeping my Southern traditions alive even while loving my Buffalo life, take a look at my new favorite Mexican restaurant.

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