The Millstone Times September 2018

SUNFLOWER CRAZE HITS NEW JERSEY Thousands of Sunflowers Planted as Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm Prepares for a Sunflower Celebration in September Job- stown, NJ. Beginning Saturday September 8th and continuing through September 30th Farmer Johnson of Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm in Northern Burlington County, will be harvesting fields upon fields of beautiful sunflowers with the public. With over 15 acres of 15 different varieties, the public will have an opportunity to celebrate the harvest with Sunflower Photo Trails, Cut Your Own, Wrap- ping Stations, Butterfly Release and Hayrides around the 325 acre preserved farm. “There is a major sunflower craze underway across the region” explains business manager and 4th generation family farmer, William Johnson. “Our customers and friends of the farm continue to ask for larger fields and more varieties for picking and photographing” Johnson adds. The craze is happening with both young families and couples who are interested in picking and photographing sunflowers for framing or posting selfies on Instagram or their Facebook page. Regardless of the interest, farmers are responding to the demand in New Jersey. The farm is equally busy preparing for the harvest of both apples and pumpkins for the fall season. With over 5 acres and 7 varieties of apples in their orchards and over 10 acres of pumpkins planted, there is the promise of harvesting family fun crops in both September and October. In addition to hayrides to the fields there is a family friendly Corn Maze, an Animal Farm to visit and a Market filled with fresh baked seasonal pies and apple cider donuts. Tomasello Winery is present with wine tasting and a grill is open with something for everyone to enjoy for lunch or an afternoon snack. Picnic tables, graced with old jars of field flowers, are located close to the bandstand where live music is performed on the weekends. In addition to harvesting crops with the public, Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm host special events from elegant weddings to afternoon baby and showers. Allie Johnson, Events Coordinator for the family farm, is preparing for the fall weddings that will be hosted on the family’s 325 acre historic farm. “ There is nothing like a fall wedding ceremony overlooking our pastoral fields followed by an evening of dining and dancing in the stone barns.” With a soft smile and twinkle in her eyes she add, “It’s simply magical”. Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm is located at 2691 Monmouth Road, Jobstown NJ 08041. The farm is just off Rt. 206, near Columbus NJ, easily accessed by both Rt 295 and the NJ Turnpike. For more information on crop picking or events, visit Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm at www.JohnsonsLocustHallFarm.com or call 609.353.9000

82 0

The Millstone Times

September 2018