WOODSTOCK—Beginning Thursday, Aug. 6, Billings Farm & Museum’s second annual sunflower house will be open for visitors to explore and bask in the beauty of this garden. Thousands of sunflowers and over 50 different varieties ranging from 18 inches to 14 feet in height form the rooms and hallways in a maze-like structure.
“With recent rains and hot summer days the sunflowers are popping up quite nicely,” said Benjamin Pauly, Master Gardener at the Woodstock Inn & Resort and creator and designer of this unique garden. This year’s design is a one-way flow that allows for social distancing and safe enjoyment. In addition to its beauty, the sunflower house serves as a food source for birds, bees and butterflies.
Beginning Aug. 15, as guests stroll through the sunflower house, they can play the “What’s Blooming!” game using a guide to the sunflowers provided by Billings Farm. Guests are invited to enter the sunflower house instagram challenge by posting their best sunflower photos and tagging @billingsfarm for a chance to receive Billings Farm’s award-winning cheeses. The contest begins Aug. 15 and details will be provided onsite.
The sunflower house can be seen Thursdays through Mondays, 10 a.m –4 p.m., and is expected to be in full bloom mid-Aug. until mid-Sept. Bring a picnic and enjoy the scenic pastures, see the farm animals, visit the gardens and learn about Vermont’s rural history. Creativity and talent are on display in the 34th Annual Quilt Exhibition at Billings Farm, featuring a selection of colorful designs and intricate patterns made by Windsor County quilters through August 23. The dairy bar opens at 11 a.m. and serves Vermont-based Wilcox Ice Cream. Billings Farm’s award-winning cheeses and milk products are available for purchase at the dairy bar and in the gift shop.
Note that as of July 1, the Billings Farm & Museum site will be limited to a maximum capacity of 225 people at one time, per State of Vermont guidance, and face coverings must be worn by all guests over the age of 2 everywhere on the site, including the outdoors. For more about visiting Billings Farm safely, updates on site capacity, and to learn which spaces are open, visit billingsfarm.org/visit.
The Billings Farm & Museum is owned and operated by The Woodstock Foundation Inc., a charitable non-profit institution. Billings Farm & Museum is committed to providing educational opportunities and experiences to visitors, whether here in Woodstock, Vermont or at home wherever you are through online resources at Billings Farm at Home. Visit the their newly relaunched billingsfarm.org, and find them on Facebook at facebook.com/BillingsFarmMuseum/ and Instagram at instagram.com/billingsfarm.
