Sunflower farm’s popularity blooming

NOW three years old, Pick Your Own Sunflowers has made Dunnstown famous for another summer.

Laiken Britt’s picturesque sunflower farm was not only the first in the Moorabool Shire, but in Victoria, and remains the state’s largest, attracting thousands of people on weekends while the flowers are in season.

For two dollars per stem, people can pick and take home as many sunflowers they like.

Visitors often have their photo taken amongst the bright yellow and green field, and its presence on Instagram has spread the word far and wide about the family farm, which initially produced just sweet corn.

“We’ve seen humongous growth and its very popular. We brought by mum over from the UK to help with our four boys this year, while I’m out in the field,” Ms Britt said.

“In our first year, everyone seemed to hear about it at the same time. We had the long weekend, the swap meet, and everyone was in Ballarat for the Begonia Festival.

“Last weekend was really busy, and nearly every customer was a return customer that had been here on a similar date for three years in a row. One family had brought their child for annual photos as a newborn, a one-year-old, and now a two-year-old.”

Weather permitting, Pick Your Own Sunflowers will have blooming fields for another three to six weeks.

On weekends they host food trucks, and on-site sausage sizzles benefit local schools, while weekdays are quieter.

“Through the week, visitors really get to experience being in the country, and the fresh air,” Mrs Britt said.

“People have a fantastic time, and there’s a bright, happy feeling they get to see the sunflowers. It’s a lovely family day out.”

The field is open daily from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, and 10am to 6pm, Friday to Sunday. Visit pickyourownsunflowers.com to book tickets.