There’s a new place to find beautiful fields of sunflowers this year

Five Rivers MetroParks plant gorgeous flowers at Possum Creek MetroPark, and they’re now in bloom.

Four acres of sunflowers are a warm welcome for visitors to Possum Creek MetroPark.

A field that has been fallow for years is now a trial for several varieties of sunflowers at the park’s farm. Previously, traditional row crops, corn and soybeans were planted on the site.

>> Our favorite places to find sunflowers in Dayton

“We wanted to do something here that would attract and welcome guests to the park and give them the incentive to keep coming back to see how it changes,” said Connie Duncan, an education specialist for Five Rivers MetroParks.

Blooming in the field are standard, dwarf, black oil, and mammoth grey stripe sunflowers that are over 7 feet tall. The sunflowers are not only a friendly site, but will be used to teach about sustainability and as a habitat for pollinators and wintering birds.

Duncan said she hopes the flowers help visitors find peace and let go of life’s stress as they wander around the joyful stalks. “I hope it brings a little sunshine to their life.”

“They are very cheery, and they are very unique. They’re not just your regular flower,”Duncan said.  The height and the girth of the flower just makes them so much fun.”

Visitors have been dropping by the farm for several weeks admiring the glowing yellow orbs and taking photographs, Duncan said. The blooms should be bright through September and possibly into October depending on the weather.

“To me they greet the day because they face the east and wait for the sun to come up,” Duncan said. “When the people come to visit our park, they are there facing the road to greet them as they come in. I think that makes people feel warm inside.”

WANT TO GO? 

What: Possum Creek MetroPark

Where: 4790 Frytown Road, Dayton

Hours: From April 1- Oct. 31, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. From Nov. 1 to March 31, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Admission: Free

More info: Website

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