A FARM in the far North-West is opening its paddock of peonies to showcase the beautiful flowers, allowing people to experience them in their full bloom.
Peonies are only in full bloom for about six to eight weeks of the year.
Gateforth Farm at Black River in Circular Head is hosting its Peonies in the Paddock Day from 10am-4pm on November 20.
Historical Gateforth Farm has been farmed by the Medwin family for seven generations since the 1840s.
The farm is the eighth longest continually run business in Tasmania. It has been passed through the generations and has seen many changes through the cultivation of a diverse range of crops and livestock to meet the needs of an evolving young nation.
An opportunity to grow on the family’s knowledge in horticulture presented itself in its new passion for growing peonies.
The farm now has four hectares of peonies. The first hectare was planted 16 years ago to supply cut flowers into the Australian market.
Some of these original plants are still in the ground and producing amazing flowers each year.
The main paddock now has about 2.5ha planted for cut-flower production ranging from one to seven year-old plants with most varieties producing cut flowers in the second year and reaching full maturity in the fifth year.
Fee Medwin said the farm is slowly branching out into other cut flower varieties to extend their season.
At the open day they will have cut peony bunches for sale as well as peony potted plants.
“We will also showcase local food produce, in particular, our own lamb delivered up by Perry’s Quality Meats into their special lamb burgers,” she said.
“Also some world-class floristry instalments created by Christine Medwin and her team from Circular Head.”
The Open Day will also have live music for entertainment and local art and craft stalls.
This year 2000 tickets are available online from their website http://www.gateforthpeonies.com.au