Imagine waking each morning and walking outside to be greeted by a field full of gentle Virginia pines, whispering in the wind, before a sea of brilliant yellow sunflowers, smiling toward the sky. Now imagine owning and growing all of them while planning to bring joy to others through them. David and Sherri Hurst, owners of Molly and Socks Christmas Tree Farm, LLC, wake each morning welcomed by that very reality; at least, they previously beheld such glorious sights and plans. This year, their third season growing the flowers, hidden predators lurked amongst the distant woods, lying in wait for the perfect moment… to feast.
For the past two years, families, friends, students, and visitors enjoyed frolicking among the Hursts’ beautiful sunflowers, capturing priceless memories in photos throughout their stays. Little did anyone know that voracious predators quietly stalked the flowers from amongst the natural tree line this year, eager to gluttonously feast. Yes, Oklahoma’s own white-tailed deer decided the tender, young buds and joyful sunflowers made for an exceptionally irresistible and delicious meal.
Unbeknownst to the Hursts, who patiently awaited the immense joy of their blissful blooms, the deer stealthily snuck into their field to munch away at the beautiful blossoms and stems under cover of darkened skies at dusk and dawn. They ate and ate until the cheery flowers were completely depleted. After greedily consuming their fill and exiting, the deer left behind only field grass, and another form of cheery yellow: black-eyed Susans.
Although available in smaller quantities than the two acres of sunflowers, Sherri gratefully announced the farm still has black-eyed Susans available for photos or cuttings. The Hursts simply remind all prospective visitors that their farm is private property, requir-
See Joy, Page Three smaller quantities than the two acres of sunflowers, Sherri gratefully announced the farm still has black-eyed Susans available for photos or cuttings. The Hursts simply remind all prospective visitors that their farm is private property, requiring advance permission to visit. For interested parties, please contact the Hursts at 918-6393816 to schedule an appointment.
Remaining thankful for the black-eyed Susans, Sherri nonetheless sadly announced an end to their third sunflower season before anyone could enjoy it. Well, except for the deer. They alone experienced the sunflowers’ joy: a joy digested.