Hello, fellow lovers of all things green. Sunflowers not only purify our earth of toxins, there smiling faces also bring happiness that can help heal our hearts.
What a delight to revisit Liberty Farm’s Sussex County Sunflower Maze in Sandyston. Raj Sinha kindly offered a tour of the maze again this year to those who benefit from the Mental Health Association in Newton, New Jersey. The agency supports families and friends of individuals with mental illness and offers early intervention support services.
It’s their 16th year of the maze. Raj started growing sunflowers when the New Jersey Audubon Society wanted locally grown sunflower seeds. People were interested in the 50-acre field, so he decided to create an opportunity for folks to interact with the sunflowers “close and in person” and made the amazing maze.
Seeing Raj again came with the fun of acknowledging a friend we have in common. Carol Decker, a longtime friend of his and a new friend of mine, as shared in The Gift of Carol Decker’s Wildlife Art.
Sunflowers bring Happiness and Healing
Sunflowers Smile :^)
I love sharing the story of the sunflowers I grew from seed in the vegetable garden that my dear old grandpa, who lived with us in his last years, had hand–dug. He was a dairy farmer by trade. We’d have friendly banter about the sunflowers shading the vegetables and attracting birds that would peck at the tomatoes.
“But they attract pollinators!” Raj said. That is what I told Grandpa—How clever my comeback was, even as a kid. I still grow sunflowers above my vegetables. Isn’t it fun how traditions continue? **
Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are native to North America and were a common crop among Native Americans, who used all parts of the plant. Archaeological evidence suggests that it was first cultivated as a crop around 3000 BC, preceding corn.
They are indeed a feast for pollinators. Each sunflower has up to 2 thousand florets filled with nectar, making them a lure for bees and other insects. Sunflowers can also help heal contaminated land, as they are hyperaccumulators, meaning they can absorb metal and radiation toxins. After Fukushima and Chornobyl, as part of the remediation process, millions of sunflowers were planted to absorb the toxins. And fields of them are grown to restore land contaminated with lead.
Liberty Farm Sunflower Maze – a time of reflection
It felt like a homecoming to visit the sunflower maze and see my counselor and other client friends from the Mental Health Association.
You may recall that a few years ago, we featured the sunflower maze. At the time, I was going through a difficult period resulting in a health emergency. I’m so grateful that I am handling things far better now, which has led to restored health.
And while I am no longer accessing their counseling services, the help received in understanding and learning ways to help navigate life with loved ones with mental illness continues to help me—such a joy to remain connected. Mental health can impact all of us from time to time. Not just those who have a chemical imbalance or other challenges that are more permanent.
Jill the Chick
The visit came with a special treat of chatting with Raj’s son, who self-published a book titled Jill the Chick; his pen name is Zy Saturnees. He was busy making bouquets of sunflowers and zinnias for patrons of their farmstand. His face lit up when I asked if he’d sign a copy of his book on sale there.
‘Jill the Chick is sure to delight readers of all ages, both young and old. From a simple perspective, it’s a cute farm story about a young chick’s adventures, but as you delve deeper, it’s an inspiring and intriguing fable about good vs. evil and the struggle for justice,’is a snippet of description on Amazon.
Indeed, it’s a charming story, and I adore Zy’s acknowledgments, thanking his parents for always being there for him, as well as other family members and friends who helped him with the book, along with dedicated fans who support and believe in him.
He wraps up with, ‘I would also like to thank my dog, my chickens, and all my fellow farm animals for always listening to my stories and ideas.’ (Are you smiling as you read this?)
A remarkable young person…
Raj Sinha with his remarkable son
It’s heartwarming and encouraging to witness the sentiments of a young person who already understands and appreciates the world around them and all that they share it with. His presence exudes gratitude and hopefulness. And I envision his sunshine inspiring joy and optimism in others — like the fifty acres of sunflowers — as he grows forward in life. May we all do the same.
** I would love to hear about traditions in your life that involve gardens, nature, or relatives with whom you’ve shared these experiences. Please email me atAskMaryStone@gmail.com
Enjoy more of the story in the Garden Dilemmas Podcast:
Mental Health Association (serving Northern NJ) supports families and friends of individuals with mental illness. And offers early intervention support services.
Mary Stone, owner of Stone Associates Landscape Design & Consulting.
As a Landscape Designer, I am grateful for the joy of helping others beautify their surroundings which often leads to sharing encouragement and life experiences. These relationships inspired my weekly column published in THE PRESS, 'Garden Dilemmas? Ask Mary', began in 2012.
I dream of growing the evolving community of readers into an interactive forum to share encouragement and support in Garden and Personal Recoveries -
seeking nature’s inspirations, stimulating growth, weeding undesirables, embracing the unexpected. Thank you for visiting! Mary
