Everybody needs a Bestie. Who's YOUR Beastie?

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When we learned that some of the 1019 species on Delaware's list of greatest concern needed a snack, we stepped up! 

Native plants, meadows and herbs provide pollen, nectar and shelter for pollinators. 

This year our Roxanna meadow is planted in sunflowers for a variety of reasons – one being deep roots help keep water in the fields and out of the bays. 

Everything we do on land affects the water and this type of thinking is how we can begin to restore what is lost to development.

Project note:When I couldn't find pictures of the Delaware's 1019 species I started creating a database. Somewhere along the way my art background kicked in and I got inspired. Now I'm wondering what would happen if you got inspired, too? More on that later... the farm calls!

XXoO, Helen

Story Hill Farm

When I planted the Roxanna meadow 4 years ago I  over seeded with novel and native flowers that were mostly annuals with some perennials. 

By rights the meadow should have only worked for one year and every year everyone told me to scratch it and replant and every year I rolled the dice and didn't listen. 

What happened out there was nothing short of magnificent – four acres of diverse grasses & blooms changing throughout the season. It wasn't perfect,  we can talk about my nemesis weeds another time! 

Last year the meadow went over mostly to grasses and perennials which is a good thing but there weren't enough perennial seeds in the seed bank to convert completely. So, I decided to renovate and do a bridge year in sunflowers. 

I don't typically plant large tracts in single species, but a single year in sunflowers offers a late season snack right when the migratory birds and pollinators most need them. I know it's working because we have more monarchs than I've ever seen in one field.

Deep roots are also good for the soil and can increase aeration, cycle nutrients, break up compaction for less run off. 

Sunflower seeds will offer a buffet over the fall and winter to many bird species; and provide shelter to native bumble bees who like to build their winter homes in tubular stalks.

🌻 Buzz & Butterfly Bouqets 

Sunflowers from the Meadow
$2 a stem 

$10 a bunch 

$100 for a big 50-stem armful

💐 Open U-Pick Main Farm 

$18 Bucket  (One bucket is plenty for two or three to fill together.)

· Take-away water container

· Floral Wrap & Ribbon

· Colorful carrier with handles

✨ Walk on the Wild Side — a private, guided meadow tour + flower-picking with me. The only way into Roxanna Meadow, and worth it.

$200 · up to 4 people · by appointment · contact

Helen 302.725.8200

Find us at:

🗓️  Story Hill Farm

Wednesdays to Sundays

9am –5pm

34645 Winding RD, Frankford

Farmers Markets:
🗓️ Bethany Beach 

Sundays · 8am – Noon

Garfield Pkwy & Pennsylvania Ave

🗓️ Rehoboth Beach

Tuesdays

10am – 2pm 

Convention Center parking lot!

🗓️ Lewes (Historic Lewes Farmers Market) 

Saturdays · 8am–Noon

George H.P. Smith Park