Fields of gold

PREPARATIONS for next year’s Surf Coast Celebration of Sunflowers have begun with free sunflower seeds up for grabs at several locations across the region.

More than 35 volunteers have put together between 2,500 and 3,000 sunflower seed packets for the local community to enjoy.

The seeds are usually available until mid-November and can be collected from the Torquay Library, Mavis Mavis café, Big Things Little Things café, Swell café, Feed me, Torquay Community House, Tama Tama Coffee Roasters, Salty Dog café and the $2 shop.

They are available for anyone wanting to grow a fun display, or even compete for prizes at the Celebration of Sunflowers event to be held in early February, with the date to be confirmed closer to the day.

Now in its third consecutive year, the sunflower celebration aims to spread joy and remains a favourite of the local community.

Event organiser Bronwyn McNamee said it was the visibility and impact of sunflowers that made them so appealing.

“Sunflowers grow so large and it’s such a cheery plant,” she said.

 

“It’s a sign of hope and promise when you plant something and it grows.”

The Celebration of Sunflowers is open to competitors of all ages, and this year residents at the Star of the Sea will be participating.

There are several awards to be won, including those for the sunflowers that are that tallest, shortest, cutest, most unfortunate and best dressed.

Sunflower growers will also be able to nominate their own categories, making for a light-hearted and inclusive event.

“It’s just for a bit of local fun,” Ms McNamee said.

“It’s still a bit like a little country fair… and that’s how we like it.”

And Ms McNamee has some advice for those looking to grow their own sunflowers this year.

“Plant when the weather truly is predictably warm, which is from early November onwards and definitely protect from snails. They adore seedlings,” she said.

“No snail protection, no sunflowers.”

She encourages all those interested to keep an eye on the Surf Coast Celebration of Sunflowers Facebook page for announcements about event dates, and to share their sunflower updates, tips and progress photos.

For more information, head to facebook.com/groups/surfcoastsunflowers