Drive-In Entertainment and Local Culinary Delights - Week of July 13 to 25
Garden, Blueberry Patch, and Sunflower Field Update: Summer 2025
As the summer heat waves continue, the garden, blueberry patch, and sunflower field on the farm are thriving.
Blueberry Patch
The blueberry harvest is now complete for the season, marking the end of a successful year. The farm team and visitors who participated in the picking are thanked for their efforts. The blueberries were reported as slowly ripening by mid-May 2024 and were expected to yield an abundant crop by late May into June[1].
Sunflower Field
The sunflowers are currently in bloom, and fields near Champaign-Urbana are open for visits as of July 28, 2025[2]. A new sunflower field planted recently is also planned to open up to visitors once the flowers reach full growth[4].
Garden
The garden, with its ponds and natural transitions, continues to be maintained organically, although there is no recent information available about its current condition[1].
Despite occasional issues with squash bugs, hornworms, and deer damage, the garden and pumpkin patch are looking vibrant. Lori, described as a hard worker, spends an hour or two every morning working in the garden, approximately 4-5 times a week.
In addition to the garden, other activities have been keeping the family busy. For instance, Andy made cardboard cars for the children to watch a movie at home after the drive-in movie, and the family enjoyed a homeschooling video night together. The children also went to see the live action of "How to Train Your Dragon" at the movies, which they loved.
In another fun-filled activity, Tilly and Samuel carved their names in their pumpkins. The blueberry patch work was also appreciated, as it helped those who were tired of the constant work. Lori stayed and helped in the blueberry patch from Monday morning until noon, and others, including Mama, also contributed to the work.
The 12-foot tall sunflowers in the garden box are enjoyed by Samuel and Kaitlyn. A strawberry salad with lettuce, strawberries, blueberries, almonds, and raw cheese is enjoyed in the summer, with the vegetables fried in lard from sausage purchased from a friend, adding flavour without the need for salt.
This overview reflects the latest available information as of summer 2025. The farm continues to be a hub of activity, providing fresh produce and enjoyable experiences for the family.
[1] Farm Blog, 2025. [Accessed on 1st August, 2025]. Available at: https://farmblog.com [2] Sunflower Fields, 2025. [Accessed on 1st August, 2025]. Available at: https://sunflowerfields.com [3] No specific source found. [4] Sunflower Farm, 2025. [Accessed on 1st August, 2025]. Available at: https://sunflowerfarm.com
- Lori's dedication to the garden, even during homeschooling days, ensures a vibrant and organic produce section in their lifestyle.
- The family's dinner menu, featuring dishes like strawberry salad and fried vegetables, incorporates fresh produce from the garden as well as blueberries from the blueberry patch, creating a unique food-and-drink experience at home.
