Liebenthal, a former agricultural extension agent for the University of Alaska, spearheaded the movement to plant the flower beds by ordering seeds. With help from Pitzman and several volunteers and staff, the seeds were planted earlier this year.

"A bunch of the residents here were involved in the planting, but Ed was really the driving force," said Pitzman. "I'm truly amazed at the sunflowers. They're beautiful." Liebenthal, a Homer resident since 1948, said gardening has been a lifelong hobby.