Sunflowers (gouache style)

Sunflowers are native to North America, where they were domesticated thousands of years ago. What looks like one flower is really a head of hundreds of tiny florets, arranged in interlocking spirals and ringed by golden petals. Tall varieties such as 'Russian Giant' can top three metres, branching kinds like 'Velvet Queen' give several red-brown flowers, and dwarf types suit pots. Pollen-free varieties don't drop dust on tables, which makes them good for cutting.

Sow seed under cover in pots in April, or directly outdoors in May once the soil warms. Plant out in late May, after the last frost, in full sun and a sheltered spot. Young plants are popular with slugs, so protect them early. Tall varieties need a sturdy cane, and they'll want watering in dry spells. Flowers open from July to September. Young heads follow the sun across the sky; older ones settle facing east. Leave seed heads standing in autumn for finches and tits.

Tall sunflowers with golden heads stand against a blue late-summer sky in this image. The sky is as much a part of the picture as the flowers, and the strong gold and blue set each other off. It's the season when the heads are fully open and the plants at their tallest.