The Two RV Gypsies: Full-Time RVers
really enjoyed the giant SUNFLOWERS at
Dorothea Dix Park
2105 Umstead Drive
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
July 22, 2021

USA map showing location of North Carolind

The two RV Gypsies were here on July 22, 2021, and the Sunflowers were fantastic. But according to the official website, https://dixpark.org/sunflowers - as of August 3, 2021, the sunflower field was past peak bloom for this season. Dorothea Dix Park and the Sunflower field was free to visit daily from dawn to dusk. There was free parking in the gravel lot off Hunt Drive and in the parking lot near off Umstead Drive. The Sunflower field was a short walk from the parking areas. Please stay on the paths, and do not pick the flowers.
Dorothea Dix Park DHHS Headquarters sign first view of the Sunflower field

Dorothea Dix Park is 308 acres, making it one of the largest parks in Raleigh, NC. A lot of events are held at this park, from concerts to various workshops, and even stargazing sessions. BUT the big draw on this date was the GIANT SUNFLOWERS.
Sunflower field rules

Below: When Karen Duquette saw all the hammocks hanging from the trees, with a great view of the Sunflower Field, of course she really wanted to relax in one of the hammocks. Unfortunately, she did not get to spend as much time in the hammock as she would have liked, because the Sunflowers were calling her name.
Hammocks at Dorthea Dix Park Karen Duquette relaxed in a hammock
Karen Duquette relaxed in ta hammock Karen Duquette relaxed in a hammock
divider rowas of suns

The two RV Gypsies walked through the massive field of sunflowers, then they took some close-ups of some of the Sunflowers. The two RV Gypsies love sunflowers because their petals match the sun's glowing rays. Sunflowers love direct sunlight, and will lean towards the sun. Some sunflowers can grow as high as 16 feet tall.
Bee warning sign The Dorothea Dix Sunflower field
Sunflowers sunflowers and purple trees

Below: There are a lot of sunflowers posted on this page, both yellow and red, in clusters and close-up. AND further down the page, the Raleigh skyline, flowering trees, a bird, and more. Everything is a must-see!
panorama of the sunflower field
Lee Duquette and the Sunflowers Karen Duquette and the Sunflowers

Below: Several stalks were quite tall, and had clusters of Sunflowers.

clusters of Sunflowers clusters of Sunflowers
clusters of Sunflowers a red Sunflower
sunflower reaching high a cluster of sunflowers
parorama of The Sunflower Field
sunflowers sunflowers and bees
Karen Duquette in the Sunflower Field
sunflowers Karen Duquette in the Sunflower Field
Lee Duquette in the Sunflower Field Lee Duquette and his Sunflower hat
sunflower field and Karen Duquette
red and yellow sunflowers The red sunflower is the center of attention

The sunflower shown below had a growth in the middle of it. Plus a bee.
sunflower with a growth bee and sunflower
divider rowas of suns

Below: Red sunflowers are a vivid breed, generally growing darker closer to the center. Varieties are named, Rado Red, Moulin Rouge and Red Sun. Even yellow sunflowers have specific names. Red sunflowers can grow to about 10 feet tall, depending on the variety. Red Sunflowers do NOT occur in the wild.

Red sunflower close-up Red sunflower close-up
Red sunflower and a bee yellow sunflower
Red sunflower close-up Red sunflower growing tall
red sunflower sunflowers
sunflower and a bee sunflower
sunflower sunflower and a bee
sunflower and a bee sunflower
sunflower and bees sunflower with purple center
sunflowers and bees
divider rowas of suns

After enjoying the Sunflowers, the two RV Gypsies walked the open field by the parking lot to enjoy some colorful trees and more.
panorama of the Dorthea Dix Park field
Lee Duquette in Dorothea Dix Park
Karen Duquette in Dorothea Dix Park

Below: The nice clear panorama photo shown below is from https://dixpark.org/
skyline photo from from?another website

But there was a lot of haze in the air on the day that the two RV Gypsies were here, as shown in the photos below
Raleigh skyline Raleigh skyline
Dorothea Dix Park and the red trees
red flowering trees red flowering trees
Karen Duquette and the red flowering trees Karen Duquette and the red flowering trees
red flowering trees red flowering trees
pink flowers pink and red flowers
purple trees purple trees
a bird white flowering trees

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