Summer bucket list: Sunflowers now at Raleigh's Dix Park

Last year, Raleigh's field of flowers, planted along the fences at the city's wastewater facility, became famous.

Peyton Carrington, of Wake Forest, set out to find the famous flowers.

"We walked about 3/4 of a mile from where we parked, and we were looking for the sunflowers on the Neuse River Trail," she said.

But all she found were soybeans.

Trespassing and safety concerns caused the City of Raleigh to re-think the planting, which has become popular for pictures.

So, the city's Parks and Recreation Department planted 5 acres of sunflowers in Dix Park.

"Sunflowers are 6 feet tall, massive blooming plants. So, five football fields is just a sight to behold," said Byron Johnson, who works for the parks department. "I've never seen that before in my life."

The sunflowers should be in full bloom soon. Peak viewing will be the first two weeks of July.

"I'd love to see crowds of people interspersed through the field enjoying the sunflowers, enjoying the space and the beautiful sunflowers we have," said Nick Smith, with the City of Raleigh.

Smith believes this field of sunflowers is just what Raleigh needs for people to take a break from all the other fuss in life.

"We need open spaces, we need natural spaces, to be able to step away from that and recharge our batteries and reconnect with ourselves," Smith said.