Peek at peonies in full bloom

ONE of Tasmania’s most picturesque farms is once again opening its gates to the public as peony flowering season gets into swing.

The Medwin family at Gateforth Farm near Black River are hosting open days tomorrow and again on November 23. 

Visitors to the farm will have the opportunity to stroll through the largest collection of peonies in the country. 

Phil and Fiona Medwin run the mixed farming operation, which has been in the family for seven generations. 

In recent years they have gradually been expanding the peony side of the business which now covers about 6ha. 

Mr Medwin said they are digging about 2ha a year for the nursery trade and they expect to dig another 3ha for that next year. 

They also produce blooms for the cut flower market. 

“We’re identifying some really nice varieties for the cut flower market just from importing and the nursery side so we’re growing some more for cut flowers,” he said. 

They send flowers to retail outlets around the state, the Sydney flower market and are also looking at selling some to Perth, WA. 

“We have a few contacts and we’ve got a market in Perth we’re probably going send some to this year,” he said. “It’s having the volume to have the continuity to send to all these guys is the biggest issue.

The peony season is short and generally lasts between six to eight weeks. 

Mr Medwin said they imported new varieties every couple of years and then saw how they performed in local conditions.

“The number of different varieties is an eye opener for anyone, they’ll see a lot of names they probably haven’t heard before. 

“You get on the bandwagon supplying new varieties every year and you kind of have to because the business revolves around that now.” 

The Medwins have invited visitors to the farm regularly in recent years. 

“We just wanted to give people the opportunity to have a day out, similar to the open weeks they have at the tulip farm, when they can just come and wander and have a look,” Mr Medwin said. 

“If we can get five of six hundred through over the day it’s good. It’s not too crowded and not too busy for us.” 

Mr Medwin said the drier than usual conditions this month had been ideal for flower production. 

“It means we can do spraying and things, plus we can’t send the flowers if they’re wet. If we get wet weather, it’s a lot more work getting them dry,” he said. 

As well as managing the peonies the family have also been planting potatoes, spraying poppies and having sheep shorn. 

The open days run from 10am to 4pm. Entry is $5, under-12s free.

For details go to www.gateforthpeonies.com.au or search on Facebook