Cubbington's John Ashley set the benchmark with his six sunflowers on one stem at the start of the month.

Over in Sydenham, John Levis could top that, going one better with seven. It was an impressive sight, but not a patch on the achievements of Sue Stowe, from Southam - whose top specimen was more than nine feet tall and had ten flowers. Her Helianthus is pictured towering over grandson Louis, ten.

Mrs Stowe led the field - until Tina Gilbert from Deppers Bridge provided evidence of a 13-headed wonder.

In terms of sheer height, Bishops Tachbrook's Liam and Belinda Cotter are top of the pile with a sunflower "well over" the ten-feet mark. Their specimen, still on the up and yet to fully reveal its flower, is pictured with grandsons Sean, six, and Ryan, four. Mr Cotter said: "Can anyone beat that?"

Alfie and Chris Porter came close, with a 12-foot monster - while the children at Westgate Primary School, Warwick, had several around the eight-feet mark.

Meanwhile, Leamington's Rose Jardine paid tribute to the efforts of Clapham Terrace residents in brightening up the street.

Not only is there a large sunflower, but a "glorious array of huge peonies, irises and other stunning flowers".

Rose added: "In the homes across the road from the school, there are the two women who I have seen diligently tending and nurturing a small patch of land outside their back gates, between the back of Clapham Terrace and the side entrance to Rushmore Gardens.

"They have made this narrow strip breathtakingly beautiful, for their pleasure and that of everyone who catches a glimpse of it. I do not know them personally, but I do think their work deserves recognition and gratitude."

* It is not just flowers which have beaten the weather. The Stoneleigh Village Club's marrow competition was won this year by villager Fred Oatley with a 44lbs 12oz whopper (pictured).

* We welcome pictures from readers. Email them to:

letters@leamingtoncourier.co.uk