There’s something new at Kernel Simpson’s farm store and it’s all because of the pandemic.
When COVID-19 hit, owner Richard Simpson wondered: “What can I grow to bring a little happiness and brightness to the area?”
He did his research and came up with an answer.
“Sunflowers!”
Simpson decided to plant 30,000 sunflowers on the land around the store – “just around an acre,” he said – with another strip of sunflowers along Yonge Street to catch the eyes of passersby.
It was something completely new for Simpson, a two-time member of Innisfil town council who left politics to focus on his plumbing business and the family farm.
Usually, the farm fields are planted with only varieties of sweet corn.
“I’ve never planted a sunflower before,” said Simpson, adding the result has surpassed his expectations.
The fields are filled with towering blooms and abuzz with "thousands and thousands" of pollinators, including butterflies and honey bees, some of which may belong to Innisfil Creek Honey's hives and produce the honey sold at his store.
"I'm extremely proud of the crop," he said.
Simpson has carved pathways through the fields of sunflowers, with arrows pointing the way and plenty of nooks for photos and seating. Visitors can follow the paths through and around the towering sunflowers, see the next crop of sweet corn growing in the fields, even sit on an antique tractor.
On the weekend, Simpson opened the gates for the first so-called Sunflower Stroll. It was a great success, he reports.
“People are so happy. They’re happy with what we’re doing,” Simpson said. “Everyone comes out with a smile on their face. It’s a great experience.”
There was only one disappointment for visitors, though. The store wasn't open for business and the new crop of corn wasn't going to be ready until Wednesday.
When Kernel Simpson’s opens, it will offer the usual customer favourites: Peaches ‘n Cream sweet corn, with White Lightning and Gold Rush becoming available later in the week.
There will be cucumbers from Lakeview Gardens, Mennonite jams, jellies and preserves, Innisfil Creek Honey, and an array of fruits and vegetables, as they are available.
Some disruptions due to COVID-19 are inevitable. Simpson has been unable to get the butter tarts and meat pies the store has carried in the past, but he's hopeful there will be opportunities for other farms and producers to step up.
“We’re hoping for a wonderful season,” he said.
Kernal Simpson’s is located at 5813 Yonge St., in Innisfil. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
The Sunflower Strolls will continue “as long as the flowers are in bloom,” Simpson said.
Sadly, that won't be long. As soon as the flowering heads are pollinated and set seed, the bright yellow petals will fall.
There is an admission fee for the Sunflower Stroll of $8 for adults, $4 for children ages five to 17, and free for kids under four yeard old. Visitors are asked to follow COVID-19 rules, including physical distancing, to ensure public health and safety and are asked not to pick or trample the crops.
For more information, see Kernel Simpson's on Facebook.
