The Heald family in their field of sunflowers, which is just about to burst into a golden mass. (From left): Russell, Charlotte, Isabelle, Henry and William.
The Heald family up on Gundries Road south of Norsewood are about to throw open their gates on February 3 to welcome the public to view their field of golden sunflowers.
Russell has sowed a 0.6ha paddock into a mix of sunflowers and garden peas, continuing his programme of regenerative
farming, with the crop eventually being grazed once the flowers are finished around the end of February.
Last year, the family decided to give back to the community by donating the proceeds from entry fees and sunflower sales to the Dannevirke Wai Splash Summer Swim programme, which focused on teaching children survival techniques in the water. Proceeds totalled $3500, which was enough to fund two holiday programmes for 25 children each.
The family has decided to donate their proceeds again, but particular weekends will have a focus on different causes. Charlotte has carved a trail through the sunflower field for visitors to follow and has created four specific spaces for visitors to picnic in, complete with chairs.
Over the weekend of February 3-4, it will be open to visitors for the first time, and by then the field will be a sea of yellow. Already there are 100 flowers out, with countless buds. Entry is $5 per adult and flowers can be purchased at $2 per stem. Children under 16 enter for free.
