Her 12-Ft. Hollyhock Is A Welcome Surprise

Her 12-Ft Hollyhock Is A Welcome Surprise FARM HOME Miscellaneous Susan Manzke of Sunnybrook Farm in Seymour Wis manages a backyard garden that sets her up for surprises “I married a farmer in 1973 ” says Manzke “And while I don’t have a big flower garden anymore I admire those who do ” This past year her garden was graced with a hollyhock over 12 ft tall “I hadn’t planted a hollyhock in years ” she said “I tried 10 years ago and had some success but they were completely gone after a couple of years ” This surprise flower grew in a corner of the lawn that rarely sees flowers otherwise “When I figured out what was growing there in the spring I mowed around it ” She’s hoping to replicate her surprise success next year “I’ll collect this prize hollyhock’s seeds and see if I can get more to grow again next year I’ve already collected enough seeds from black-eyed Susans and coneflowers to scatter around my house ” Manzke’s primary advice for other flower enthusiasts is “saving seeds saves money ” She also advocates for modifying strategies to match abilities especially while aging “I have trouble kneeling so I use three raised flower beds made of old tractor tires My husband who passed away in 2020 made those beds for me many years ago ” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Susan Manzke N8646 Miller Rd Seymour Wis 54165 sunnybrook@aol com; susanmanzke@gmail com

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