You don’t need to imagine how thousands of sunflowers basking in the Fermanagh sun will look this month – all you need to do is visit Lappin’s Vegetable Farm to see them for yourself.

The popular charity sunflower field that began last year has returned on a much larger scale to the farm at Ashwoods, Enniskillen, and has been jam-packed with visitors admiring the sunflowers, wildflowers and other delights of the working vegetable farm.

Jimmy Lappin and wife, Esdille, originally hosted last year’s sunflower farm in aid of Air Ambulance NI and raised thousands of pounds for the charity.

This year, 20 per cent of all sales of sun flowers and wildflowers will be donated to Marie Curie.

The popular local couple said they've been “blown away” by local reactions: “We have been blown away by the support of the whole community in coming to visit our farm. We have been busy every day and hope it is supported like it was last year.”

Maisie Maguire, Bellanaleck, who picked her sunflowers at Lappins Vegetable Farm near Ashwoods.

Maisie Maguire, Bellanaleck, who picked her sunflowers at Lappins Vegetable Farm near Ashwoods.

This year, they chose Marie Curie in memory of their good friend Ann Weir, who died earlier this year and was supported by nurses from the charity.

The sunflower field is one of the fields used by Esdille’s husband, Jimmy, at their popular vegetable farm.

The thousands of sunflowers with their head turned toward the sun are a remarkable sight, with many of the sunflowers towering over the children who are picking them.

Some of the blooms are large and standing proudly supported by thick stems; others are slightly smaller, and some are still waiting to come into bloom as bumblebees float around the field.

Esdille said: “The sunflowers are being used in local shops and displayed in people’s homes, and it has been great to see families coming out and watching children picking sunflowers taller than themselves.”

As all gardeners know, flowers sadly don't last forever, but the couple are hopeful that – weather permitting – the field will remain in bloom for the month of August.

Jimmy said: “I say the sunflowers should last in the field until the end of the month. They are popping up now quickly with the heat, but there are still plenty left to bloom, and plenty to pick.”

Looking to the future, the farm is hoping to build on the success of last year’s popular pumpkin patch as Jimmy and his team have now sewn seeds for pumpkins which will be ready later in the year.

The sunflower field at Lappin’s Vegetable Field, No. 221, Sligo Road, Enniskillen, is currently open from 11am to 5.30pm.

If you are visiting, you are advised to dress for the day's weather conditions, and bring a pair of scissors to cut your flowers.