This year, my garden truly put on a show. As we head into September 2025, I’m absolutely thrilled to share the results of my harvest, particularly my vibrant flower display and the unique beauty of my homegrown gem corn. It’s a reminder of why I love getting my hands dirty!
A Symphony of Color: Flowers to Brighten the Year
While I always grow some vegetables, I’ve found immense joy in cultivating a wider variety of flowers. This year, my zinnias were particularly spectacular, offering a riot of pinks, oranges, and reds that lasted for weeks. They’re such reliable bloomers, and cutting them regularly just encourages more flowers. I also had a patch of sunflowers that grew taller than I expected, their sunny faces turning towards the sky. It’s amazing how much cheer a simple sunflower can bring.
Beyond the more common varieties, I experimented with some cosmos, which have a delicate, airy quality, and marigolds, known for their bright, cheerful blooms and their natural pest-deterring properties. Having these flowers not only adds incredible beauty to my yard but also provides a vital food source for pollinators. I’ve noticed so many more bees and butterflies this year, and that’s a direct result of planting more flowers.
Gem Corn: A Harvest of Jewels
One of the most exciting parts of my harvest this year was the gem corn. This isn’t your typical sweet corn; gem corn, also known as multicolored or Indian corn, comes in kernels of various colors – reds, blues, purples, yellows, and whites. It’s a feast for the eyes even before it’s cooked!
Growing gem corn is much like growing regular corn, though it requires a bit more space and good pollination. Planting in blocks rather than single rows helps ensure the corn gets pollinated effectively. I learned that the hard way a few years ago when my first attempt yielded very little color. This year, the cobs are heavy with kernels, each one a tiny jewel.
While gem corn is beautiful to look at, it’s not as sweet as the sweet corn varieties we usually eat off the cob. It’s typically best for grinding into cornmeal or flour, or for decorative purposes. I’m looking forward to grinding some of mine to make cornbread and tortillas. The unique color in the finished product is always a conversation starter!
The Satisfaction of the Harvest
There’s a profound sense of satisfaction that comes from growing your own food and flowers. It’s a connection to the earth, a testament to patience, and a reminder of nature’s incredible diversity. Seeing the vibrant colors of the flowers and the unique patterns of the gem corn, I feel a deep sense of accomplishment. It’s a joy I love to share, and I hope it inspires you to plant something beautiful or intriguing in your own garden next year.
What did you grow this year that surprised or delighted you? I’d love to hear about your garden successes!