We have a self-seeded sunflower growing in our vegetable patch. Self-seeded either from our compost [in another area we grow the small usual 4-5ft sunflowers each year] or dropped by a bird.

We watched it grow, and grow, until it pushed up the 5ft high netting covering the vegetable patch, at which time we had to re-configure the way the netting ran and give the plant some support. As it got to 8-9ft high it started to break the frame work apart; so much tying to various part of the frame became necessary.

Now it has reached 11ft [not a record-breaker] but has a flower that is 18in across from petal to petal.

The trunk is as thick as my forearm and it is unbelievably heavy so leans a lot as it is only on a garden cane!

I have now had to get a hook near the top and use a long piece of binder cord to bring it straighter and secure it against something strong - i.e. tie it to the conservatory. It’s the talk of some of our neighbours.

Martin B. Dymond