South Buffalo farm turns field of 150,000 sunflowers into fun, limited-time destination

The flower power scene is reppin’ at a farm in South Buffalo Township.

Renshaw Farms has kicked off Sunflower Days. More than 150,000 sunflowers are in bloom in a giant field — available for the public to explore, buy and enjoy.

Owner Jason Renshaw said his wife, Jamie, suggested he plant a large field of sunflowers last year to complement the wedding venue on the family-owned farm founded in 1834.

He planted more than 100 pounds of Peredovik Black sunflower seeds on May 14 when the danger of frost was minimal.

Peredovik’s are an oil seed crop that are a favorite of some birds.

Renshaw said Sunflowers Days returns this season bigger and brighter than when it debuted last year.

“The people are loving it. The biggest draw is the photo opportunities — the selfies,” he said. “There’s always a selfie stick appearing out in the field.”

Renshaw said people have been inquiring for weeks on social media asking when the sunflowers would bloom.

“Last year we had a drought and it affected the flowers; this year we have a bigger and taller crop,” Renshaw said.

Pick-your-own sunflowers are available in one field only.

They sell for $1 each.

Vistitors are invited to explore the remaining expansive sunflower fields at their own pace.

Renshaw expanded the crop this season, planting three fields at different intervals. He also will host Sunflower Days in late August and early September.

Visitors are transported to the sunflower field via a trip on a large tractor-pulled covered wagon.

Various paths have been cut into the field and props, such as chairs, frames and more, are available for staging photos.

Renshaw said one family recently had a photo session with a baby announcement theme with the sunflowers as the background.

Lindsay and Justin Ammerman of West Franklin Township were getting cuddly among the sunflowers Sunday as a professional photographer snapped pics of the couple, married for almost two years.

“It’s just beautiful,” Lindsay Ammerman said.

The Knott family of New Kensington drove more than an hour last year to take their three daughters to a similar sunflower setup.

They expressed pleasure to see a more local option for their sunflower experience.

“Everyone (farms) seem to be having sunflowers. This is the new thing,” said mom Lauren Knott.

Jordana Knott, 7, said she’d never seen so many flowers in one place.

“They’re big and pretty,” Jordana said while clutching some hand-picked blooms.

Renshaw said he noticed a lot of similar sunflower events at various farms while traveling down south.

“It’s starting to catch on around this area,” Renshaw said. “It’s unique to see sunflowers around here. Driving around in Western Pennsylvania, you usually see corn, soybean and other vegetables, but sunflowers are something that don’t pop out.”

Ashley Davison of Middlesex Township brought her 2-year-old son, Nolan, for a few hours among the flowers.

“We used the props all through the field,” Davison said. “It’s super beautiful.”

Renshaw said guests should be aware of the bees among the sunflowers busy pollinating as they can sting.

“They’re doing a great job pollinating my pumpkin patches that will be ready for our annual PumpkinFest,” Renshaw said.