Sunflowers Galore!

Leslee and Jay Schwirian share 500,000 sunflowers with the community.

Leslee Schwirian was a full-time nurse and her husband, Jay, a podiatrist. They have grown sunflowers for 30 years on their family farm and raised their three children there. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the Schwirians realized how important it was for people to get out and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, in a way that was safe.

They made the decision to plant thousands of sunflowers that year and, for the first time, they invited the public to visit the farm to enjoy them. People were so grateful for the opportunity to be outside and around other human beings, instead of just seeing them on Zoom. They had an astounding 2,000 visitors!

The family has been doing it ever since, and this year planted an incredible 500,000 sunflowers and welcomed around 8,000 visitors to Schwirian Farm. It’s free to the public to visit, but there is a charge by the carload to park at the property across the street, which they don’t own.

The Sunflower Festival took place in July, but various activities happen on the farm in the spring, summer and fall. In October when the flowers die off, the seeds are ready to be harvested and the entire family helps, including daughters Laura and Jackie, son Andrew, and the grandkids.

They will take the seeds and make sunflower oil, moisturizers, and lip gloss. The oil is excellent for skin because it’s packed with Vitamin E.

The couple also keeps bees on the property, offering products made with their honey, including candles and soap. And they also sell and rent beehives that can be kept at the farm, which is a great way for those who live in the city to have access to fresh, local honey.

In the cooler months of autumn, Jay even holds beekeeping classes for kids and adults. They suit up in protective gear, and he demonstrates the art of caring for bees, and visitors get to sample the honey.

At one time, the family also raised alpacas, but it was a bit too time consuming. However, they continue to make socks from the wool of alpaca, Angora sheep, and yak! “They take the wool from the yak’s underbelly, and it’s my favorite! They make the softest, warmest socks,” explains Leslee.

There is also a farmstand near the entrance to Schwirian Farm where locals can purchase products based on the honor system.

Many people go to the farm for photographs. On Pet Day, people take pictures of their pets amid the sunflowers. Others photograph their proposals and have gender reveal parties, and two couples even chose the farm for their weddings. “One groom was from Kansas, where the sunflower is the state flower—he was so proud to have their wedding here,” says Leslee.

Professional photographers pay a fee to go to the farm for 10 days, with as many clients as they want to photograph.

One of the most rewarding things for the Schwirians is to see all the families with their children. Most kids today have very little opportunity to experience a real farm.

“That’s why we do what we do,” says Leslee. “We have people from all walks of life come to visit. We want to support our community.”

For information, visit schwirianfarm.com.

Jay and Leslee Schwirian with their three children and grandkids.