Bobaul was the first sunflower to show its pretty yellow face in the Bull-Knox Sunflower Contest 2017. Bears followed, revealing a beautiful orangey red flower.

As gorgeous as they are, the early bloomers may have peaked too soon (putting their energy into displaying their flowers rather than reaching for the sky) to be able to catch the tallest competitors. However, they are both still in with a chance of winning the new award for 2017: The Indie Award for the prettiest flower.

With 10 days to go the tallest flower is hard to call with Em&Em, Shmelling, Pears and Gibbles all striving towards the sun.

Sad news for Steclaire who, although the plant still looks healthy, was found to be headless. The perpetrator of this horrific attack has not been found but a trail of slime was found on the upper leaves. I’m not sure if it’s scientifically possible but I’m rooting (sorry about the pun) for Steclaire to grow a new head and get back in the race.

The official judging takes place on 5th August 2017.

Indie, the chief sunflower slayer, has passed away. Indie has been a big fan of the sunflower contest since it began and can be seen below hopping past the first flowers as a baby in 2014.

The next year she realised how tasty the flowers were and, along with her sister Pongo, fought through all defences to devour the plants.

Indie gave the competition an element of danger and will be hugely missed. But don’t worry, Pongo is still waiting to pounce on any sunflowers should they get too heavy and fall from their current safety on the fence.

Despite the sadness, the contest goes on and Gibbles has reached above the rest.

Shmelling has enjoyed a growth spurt and is  now neck and neck in second place with previous leader Em&Em.  Pears, Gramps, Bears, Steclaire and Choltman are hot  on their heels. Although slightly shorter, Ricarah, Bobaul, Bull-Knox, Moomins and Amme are all looking strong and could make a late burst. Judging takes place on 5th August. Who will be the tallest?

An unidentified creature has been snacking on the sunflowers overnight. The worst affected flowers are Bears and Shmelling:

Meanwhile, Indie the sunflower slayer, has been hoping the pots will become too heavy and fall from the fence:

Em&Em and Gibbles are still the tallest with Pears and Gramps close behind. But will the night-time nibbler strike again?