Sunflowers and zinnias are blooming by the acre at Sweet Berry Farm, and visitors are welcome to stroll through the rows and snip some to take home. Sweet Berry Farm, 1801 FM 1980, is five minutes from downtown Marble Falls. The farm is open for flower picking through July 4.

“(The flowers are) beautiful. Everybody loves the beauty of a flower. You can’t look at one and not smile,” said Raelynn Copeland, a manager at Sweet Berry Farm. “I think they bring joy to a lot of people. I know I like working with them!”

Sweet Berry Farm has been growing strawberries since 1999 and is known for berry picking in the spring. But in the summer, the fields are painted in pastels and bright yellow with zinnias and vibrant sunflowers. Visitors can pick flowers, eat homemade ice cream, and feed friendly goats while the staff arranges bouquets.

“Honestly, it's beautiful. I don’t get this in Austin,” said Samantha Songstad, a resident of the capital city who was visiting the farm with her toddler, William Gordon. “This is his first time. He’s never really seen a sunflower. It’s good for him to see where sunflowers come from.”

The family-friendly farm is also a great place to take a date.

“We’re picking some flowers for a bouquet we’re going to make at our place and, hopefully, get some strawberry jam,” said John Elliot Geigert, who was visiting from Austin with girlfriend Tori Ackert.

“It’s a hidden gem,” Ackert said. “I’m surprised I've never heard of it before. I think people should definitely come because it's really cheap and you get a lot of flowers.”

Sunflowers have an undeniable appeal, and they’ve been enjoyed by people around the world for centuries. Native Americans are thought to have domesticated sunflowers around 3,000 B.C. in what is now Arizona and New Mexico, according to the National Sunflower Association. The nutrient-dense seeds and oil were a necessity for early Native Americans, but the beauty of the flowers captivated Spanish explorers, who brought them back to Europe.

In Europe, sunflowers were grown for decoration only until the 19th century, when it was discovered they were an excellent source of oil and food. Russians and Ukrainians grew sunflowers on a massive scale, and when immigrants from Eastern Europe arrived in the United States, they brought their own sunflowers with them.

Sunflowers are a fairly new addition to Sweet Berry Farm, which also offers tulip picking in March. In the fall, the farm transforms into a pumpkin patch with loads of seasonal, family-friendly activities.

This summer, you can take a trip to Sweet Berry Farm and bring home some sunshine and history. Here are a few things to know before you go:

HOURS

• Sunday — 1-5 p.m.
• Monday — 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday — 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday — Closed
• Thursday — 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Friday — 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Saturday — 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY FOR

• Admission to the farm and parking are free.
• Admission to the sunflower field is $5 per person.
• Sunflowers are $2 each.
• A vase of zinnias is $6.
• Snacks and homemade ice cream are for purchase at the counter.
• Cash, check and credit cards are accepted. An ATM is on site.

WARNINGS

• No dogs allowed.
• Be ready for the sun! Bring hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water.

dakota@thepicayune.com

Find more articles like this in 101 News