Golden Blooms and Buzzing Bees: Sunflowers, Summer Fun, and Fido 🌻🐝🌞
Discover the magic of sunflowers, bees, and family fun this summer.
Hi there, sunny summer seekers, sunflower supporters, and buzzing bee buddies!
Today, we celebrate summer with a nearby nature outing to Yesteryear Farm in Wilsonville, Oregon. This farm is a perfect summer escape with its vibrant sunflower fields, buzzing bees, and family-friendly fun.
Exploring the Sunflower Maze
Sunflowers. There’s something majestic about these towering giants, especially when they burst into bloom from late June to early August. They thrive in places like Oregon, where the soil is rich and well-draining, and the winters are mild but the summers are hot enough to make you sweat just thinking about them.
Rolling up to Yesteryear Farm, we’re greeted by a sea of golden blooms that stretch on forever. It’s like stepping into a sunflower wonderland, a scene straight out of a dream.
We dive into the maze, snapping photos left and right, marveling at the sunflowers swaying gently in the breeze. But wait, there’s more. Yesteryear Farm isn’t just about sunflowers. They’ve got a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, and more photo ops than you can shake a selfie stick at. There’s a Saturday Market with local vendors, food trucks, and live music to keep the good vibes going.
We packed a picnic and brought along our trusty black lab, who, true to form, was more interested in sniffing out our lunch than admiring the flowers.
In Oregon, these summer blooms are more than just flowers; they’re a beloved summer attraction. You can find sunflower fields all over the state, from Sauvie Island, Hood River, and the Willamette Valley, in my backyard.
Bees and Sunflowers
Bees. While wandering through the sunflower maze, we can’t help but notice the busy, buzzing bees diligently collecting pollen from the sunflowers. These tiny pollinators are nature’s superheroes, playing a critical role in the farm’s ecosystem. Bees are the unsung heroes of the sunflower fields, ensuring these golden giants produce seeds and continue to thrive.
Bees are indispensable for sunflowers, acting as the facilitators of pollination. They collect pollen from the sunflower flowers and transfer it to other flowers. This process is essential for the development of seeds and the overall health of the sunflower plant.1
Grow Your Own and Enjoy for Years to Come 🌻
Gardens. These towering giants aren’t just a feast for the eyes; they’re a gardener’s delight and a cook’s inspiration. Plant them in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and watch them thrive. After the frost danger has passed, plant the seeds about 6 inches apart and 1 to 1½ inches deep. Water them regularly, especially during dry spells, and support the taller varieties to keep them standing proud. They love slightly acidic to somewhat alkaline soil (pH 6.0 to 7.5) and thrive in nutrient-rich soil with organic matter or composted manure.
When your sunflowers are in full bloom, you can enjoy their beauty and harvest the seeds for a healthy snack. Cut the flower heads when the back turns brown and the seeds are plump. Let them dry in a well-ventilated area, then remove the seeds by rubbing two heads together or using your hands. Roast the seeds for a tasty treat or use them in recipes like sunflower seed butter or sprinkled on salads for added crunch.2
So pack your bags, grab your camera, and head to a farm this summer for a day of unforgettable memories.
https://pollenpaths.com/bee-on-sunflower/#google_vignette
https://www.almanac.com/plant/sunflowers