On our way to Lambert’s Winery last Wednesday evening for live music and coal-fired pizza, my friends and I got a sneak peek at The Wild Sonflower in Jane Lew. Nearly 100 years old, the Cronin Angus Farm includes a 2022-established U-pick flower field that is stunning and picture-perfect from sunrise to sunset.

 

Over the past few years, I’ve visited with family and friends – picking flowers, taking photos, participating in paint classes, and just enjoying the beautiful scenery. Owner Tasha Cronin, her boys and their dog “Meadow” are most hospitable. The little white lab was just a puppy during our early visits to the flower farm. He is fully grown now and the flower fields have grown right along with him. Tasha said this year, four of the farm’s 400 acres are filled with not only orange, yellow, purple and red sunflowers, but also zinnia, cosmos, marigold, ammi, amaranth, and dahlias. The zinnias opened the show. When we stopped by last week, we got to see their opening act. And now, the full cast of florals are ready to wow you.

 

Starting Wednesday, July 8, The Wild Sonflower is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is located at 288 Lifes Run Road in Jane Lew. Take the Jane Lew Exit from I-79, then take a left onto Hacker’s Creek Road, following it until you reach the farm road. Once you arrive, you can park in front of the red brick flower shop, then go inside to choose and pay for your flower vessel – a 22-ounce logo cup for $25 or a three-gallon bucket or $75. Payment can be made by cash in the exact amount, Venmo or PayPal. Then, fill your vessel with water and begin picking! You can even borrow a pair of snips.

 

Designed for kids, “Wildflower Wednesdays” will be ongoing through October. From 10 a.m. to noon, participating children can – for the cost of $18 each – pick and build a bouquet, enjoy a snack and craft, and a scavenger hunt among the flower fields and receive complimentary magnifying glasses, journals, crayons, and stickers. For an additional $15, you can purchase an adventure sack.

 

From 6-8 p.m., Saturday, July 18, is the Youth Makers Market. Come shop handmade creations, baked goods, crafts, artwork made by talented local kids who are also aspiring entrepreneurs.  Tasha said every purchase, kind word, and smile helps build confidence and inspires the next generation of makers and dreamers. How beautiful is that.

 

Coming up July 25, is “July in Bloom,” an evening event featuring live music, food vendors and lots of local artisans. Scheduled is Dylan Hinzman from 4-6 p.m. and Emmy of the Mountains from 6-8 p.m. Vendors on hand include Lucky Six Sips, The Lemon Drop, Two Scoops Ice Cream, Boss Lady Burgers, Mister Crabs and Papas Belly. You can browse the artisans including Clay Creations, Creative Soul Artistry, WV Scent Co., Junebug Creations, Twisted Sisters, Suds & Scrubs, Sun Dog Boutique, and Bridgeport’s own SunmoonApparel, among many others. For $25, you can also pick flowers. The non-picker fee for the event is just $5. There will also be a butterfly release and barrel train.

 

This year's season will also include a sunflower maze and a pumpkin patch! Check out the season’s event calendar below and plan to visit The Wild Sonflower. You will be glad you did.Visit the website HERE for more information. 

 

“We can't wait to share another beautiful season with you,” Tasha said. “Whether you're coming to pick flowers for your table, make memories with your loved ones, or just simply slow down and enjoy nature for a few hours, there's a place for you here.”