Tip-toe through the . . . sunflowers?

IT is already one of the most photographed farming operations in Tasmania and now visitors will have another reason to visit Table Cape Tulip Farm.

 The farm run by Dave Roberts-Thompson is well known for its spectacular display of tulips in spring.

 Now, the family are showcasing some of their other flower crops.

 “I had this sort of broad idea that we’ve got these amazing flowers that flower at this time of the year and we weren’t really showcasing that,” Mr Roberts-Thompson said.

 “Over the past two years we’ve been growing dahlias next to the road and seeing the number of people who were stopping to take photos and have a look it has been really interesting.

 “Obviously, through the tulips we know these things can work and people are looking for experiences.

“The new venture called The Patch was officially opened last weekend and will remain open until the end of March.

 Mr Roberts-Thompson said they have been growing liliums for more than 15 years and they started growing dahlias four years ago.

 “And they’re just fantastic flowers, people really enjoy them,” he said.

 “What we’re trying to do here though is give them a unique and interesting experience.

“As part of the new venture, they have also planted some large patches of sunflowers which will be in full flower soon.

 Alongside the small on-farm cafe and shop they have also planted areas of maize to create mazes for all the visitors including children to enjoy.

 Mr Roberts-Thompson said they are also featuring live music and other attractions while The Patch is operating.

 “We called it The Patch because we didn’t want people turning up thinking we had four hectares of dahlias,” he said.

 “It’s sort of flexible with what we do here, and it might be that the patch includes another great crop that we might want to grow here later on.”

The Patch is a new smaller-scale venture over one hectare at Table Cape Tulip Farm boasting garden beds filled with summer flowering plants grown and sold by the Roberts-Thomson family.

 Visitors can expect an evolving canvas of colour until April as the plants continue to flower, and a variety of opportunities to engage in The Patch through yoga sessions, music performances and other artistic collaborations, and fun farm-themed kids’ activities.

 Opening hours until April are Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm, Friday 10am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm Entry fees: Adults $12, Senior concession $10, high school students $6, primary students $4, under-5 free.