Sunflower House flourishing at Billings Farm
Ben Pauly, master gardener for the Woodstock Inn & Resort, speaks about the starburst panache variety at the Sunflower House at Billings Farm in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
The Sunflower House at Billings Farm in Woodstock, Vermont, has more than quadrupled its varieties of sunflowers in 2020, adding a spark of beautiful color to the day for those enjoying one of the newest features at this historic property.
The Sunflower House opened for its first season last year, headed up by Ben Pauly, master gardener of the Woodstock Inn & Resort — which, like Billings Farm, is owned and operated by The Woodstock Foundation. This scenic garden contains pathways bringing visitors to different “rooms” of sunflowers, which range in height from 18 inches to 14 feet. It contains 55 varieties of sunflowers, up from last year’s inaugural 13. Pauly said there is a strong architectural element to planning the Sunflower House, which is not meant as a maze.
“It’s all about exploring — in different-sized rooms, in different-sized areas,” he said.
A key factor in designing those sections is considering when certain varieties bloom. Now, for example, some of the late-season sunflowers are just getting started. The colors vary widely, from the typical yellow to brilliant red Mexican sunflowers. For Pauly, the highlight of the season was seeing the starburst panache variety form a “wall of yellow” in one part of the house.
“The diversity is really fun,” he said.
A section of the Sunflower House at Billings Farm in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
The sunflowers have also been virtually popular. Pauly said the Sunflower House Instagram Challenge, which runs through Sept. 16, has been “wildly successful.” Guests join the challenge by posting their best sunflower photos and tagging @billingsfarm for a chance to receive Billings Farm’s cheeses.
For another interactive feature: As guests stroll through the Sunflower House, they can play “What’s Blooming!”, a game using a guide to the sunflowers provided by Billings Farm.
This year, the Sunflower House’s design provides a one-way flow to ensure social distancing and safe enjoyment. Not only does the garden add to the land’s beauty, but it’s also a food source for birds, bees and butterflies.
It’s also a source of happiness. Pauly said the Sunflower House adds something positive to someone’s day, with its lovely color and peaceful atmosphere.
“It’s definitely something to come over to, something to make you smile.”
— Gareth Henderson
The Billings Farm & Museum is currently open Thursday to Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October (closed on Wednesdays). Its new Pollination Celebration started on Friday and runs through Sept. 4, and its 34th Annual Quilt Exhibition continues through Sept. 7. Find more details at billingsfarm.org.
