PICK YOUR OWN SUNFLOWERS
How our sunflower field came to be…
Ryefield Hops is a family farm growing hops in the Bega Valley. We grow sustainable hops and use regenerative practices on farm. During the year of the Black Summer bushfires our hops didn’t grow and our summer cover crop in the hop field was very brown and bare. The only thing that grew in the entire field were sunflowers which were in our multispecies seed mix. We essentially had 12 acres of sunflowers which was a beautiful sight and too beautiful to keep to ourselves. We opened the farm to the community to pick their own sunflowers as noone had seen a blade of green grass for over a year - let along bright flowers. The sky was tainted with smoke for weeks after the fires but locals were delighted to see some bright colours through the smoke.
The local community loved the open days and everyone used it as a form of healing after the dark bushfire days, loss of loved ones and/or homes. Everyone suggested to make it an annual event. With encouragement from the locals we now dedicate an entire field to sunflowers and hold open days when the sunflowers are ready to harvest.
The sunflowers in this field are sown especially for your pleasure and enjoyment. During their blooming period you can immerse yourself in the joy that they bring. Take your time to wander through the field and pick your own sunflowers to take home.
For the first time this year - we will have a customised caravan in the field selling coffee, beer and local produce cheese boxes. So you can enjoy a coffee from the Ryefield Ground coffee cart or a refreshing Ryefield Hops beer while you taking in the experience.
When can we go?
SUNFLOWER SEASON 2023 HAS NOW FINISHED. The farm is usually closed to public except for hop tours and sunflower open days. We will reopen to the public in 2024. Keep an eye on social media.
Where do we go?
Broad Street, Bemboka.
The farm gate is less than 1km from the highway. We will put a sign at Broad Street on open days and you can follow the sunflower signs towards the farm.
Bemboka is 30 minutes from Bega, 40 minutes from Merimbula, 1 hour from Cooma and Eden
What do we bring?
*Enclosed shoes (there is uneven ground)
*secateurs
*Bucket to take your sunflowers home
*Camera
*Picnic rug and shade. There will be some shade and chairs but feel free to BYO to ensure shade.
Can I buy food or water there?
No. Please BYO picnic, food and/or drinking water.
We will not have any food or water available for field 2.
What is the price?
Entry to the sunflower field is $5 (under 5 is free).
Sunflower stems are $3 each to take home
Can I pay by card?
You can bring cash or card. We have card facilities at both the entry site and in the coffee/drinks van.
Can we bring the dog?
Yes, dogs are more than welcome but please bring a lead and pick up after them.
What is the road like?
The farm driveway is a well maintained dirt road. Some parts are quite narrow and there is also a bridge that you will have to cross. Please DRIVE SLOW and give way to others cars when required.
Is there a toilet at the farm?
No, there is a public toilet on the corner of Broad Street so please use these amenities before arriving at the farm.
Will you have other open days?
Once field 2 is finished there won’t be any more open days until 2024.
