Z is for Zunflowerz

DENTON – Through the hazy sunshine on Friday, July 17, Suzann and Brian Zdunowski opened up their frontyard sunflower business: Zunflowers. 

Zunflowerz, located on Detour Rd. across the street from Caroline County’s 4-H Park, is more than a flower farm. They offer a “garden atmosphere” complete with potted and ground-planted herbs, flowers, tomatoes, and other goodies. Make a bouquet at their cutting garden, take home a live sunflower, peruse their gift shop (which includes handmade pottery and birdhouses made by the Zdunowski’s themselves), travel through the sunflower maze, observe the resident horses, have a photoshoot at the uniquely staged photo areas, or just sit in the shade and admire the butterflies. It’s all good here. 

Owner Suzann said she started Zunflowerz to fill a void in her time, heart, and front yard. After working at Chesapeake College for five years in various capacities, she was told her position was being discontinued. “I had to do some soul searching; what do I do next, what am I really into, and what am I going to enjoy every day?”. She landed on starting a small plant-based business with her husband, a retired military man turned teacher, after her mother-in-law proposed the idea. “I’ve always had the green thumb. I never thought it was worth anything. But I think I’ve found a county where your green thumb is worth something” she said. 

“It’s almost spiritual… It was just a grass pasture, and now the vision continues,” Zdunowski said, “I think the word is innovation. Putting something together and thinking beyond what you just see in front of you.” 

Zunflowerz is open Friday through Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – weather permitting. The Zdunowskis would be happy to share their garden with you.