Sunflowers make for a growing event

GRISWOLD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Several acres of sunflowers fill the fields at Buttonwood Farm and it is quite a sight.

The picture-perfect fields have been flowering for a good cause in Griswold for nine years now.

"We have fourteen acres of flowers," explained Duane Button of Buttonwood Farm. "There are 30,000 plants to the acre, so we have a lot of flowers."

Duane Button dedicates his fields and hard work to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

The view is free, but donations are accepted for rides and other sunflower souvenirs.

"I think that's a great cause and they make it fun for all the kids," said Amanda Bonomi of Norwich, "and even for the parents. We have a good time..

Kids say that they're fun, pretty and they smell good.

"I like touching the flowers because it's soft and it's like a sponge," one kid explained.

You can do more than just enjoy the sights and smells of the flowers, you can also take a bouquet home. Each morning workers and volunteers harvest bundles of them.

The more they sell, the more they make for Make-A-Wish.

"Last year, it was a little over a $100,000, so we get a lot of participation," said Button.

This truly is a growing event.