Sunflowers popping up over Maryland's Eastern Shore

Oxford, Maryland

Oxford Farmer Bill Eason gets happy when he talks about sunflowers, "I like when people stop by to see my sunflowers and take pictures." Bill has been planting sunflowers since he can remember. His sunflowers, seen from Oxford Road, put a smile on your face. "When people drive by on their way to town, my sunflowers give them something nice to look at." Back in the day, Bill had a produce stand but give it up when his wife got sick and later died, now the cart is there with everything you need to pick up sunflowers a vase and go. "I work on the honor system here. I'm proud of the fact I don't use fertilizers." His sunflowers spread over three and a half acres of land. Bill works twice a week at the Giant grocery store in Easton, Maryland. "It's fun. I love talking and meeting people." He was tending to his new rows of sunflowers that will likely bloom in two weeks. Bill is proud of the fact that his sunflowers will continue to bloom into November or December. "You see, I stagger my planting and crops, so for the next few months, if the weather doesn't turn bad, I'll have sunflowers."
At Emily's Produce in Cambridge, Maryland, Owner Kelly Jackson is rolling out her 2020 Sunflower Spectacular to the public that consists of 40 sunflower varieties that stretch over 4.5 acres. The owner says, "families are looking for outdoor experiences with fresh air and plenty of room to distance themselves. The sunflower experience at Emily's Produce is a great option to get kids outdoors to enjoy natural beauty and fun." You have to purchase tickets online or call the store part of the proceeds to go towards Patriot Point, a local retreat that hosts wounded, ill, and injured military veterans and their families. Kelly also says for each ticket purchased, a sunflower will go to clients using services through Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence & Delmarva Community Services Senior Home Delivery Meals Programs. Emily's Produce located 2214 Church Creek Rr., Cambridge, Maryland
Shelly King, of Salisbury, Maryland, a novice sunflower grower, sums it up, saying, "the bright yellow flower standing tall and looking at you makes you happy and smile. I think everyone loves sunflowers."