Bees have become the inspiration for a five hectare crop maze in the Meander Valley.
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A native bee, flying from its hive has been carved into a crop as part of Rupertswood Farm’s annual event.
The inspiration stemmed from an allergic reaction farmer and property owner Rohan Clark had while trying to decide on a theme.
He had a severe anaphylactic reaction and was rushed to hospital by ambulance. Two weeks later, while moving a fallen tree, he was bitten again. His wife, Anna, administered two Epipens and they waited for the ambulance.
“As I lay on the ground struggling to breathe, barely conscious, I saw it as a sign,” Mr Clark said.
“Yes, a sign that I probably needed to stay away from bees…but, also that a bee crop maze was my destiny.”
The bee maze is the sixth the farm has constructed.
“I finished at around 3am on my 50th birthday … it was an interesting way to start the day. I really struggled with cutting the hexagon shapes in the dark but generally I am pretty happy with the overall outcome,” Mr Clark said.
The maze is designed by international maze experts Mazescape.
Mr Clark said the maze is now a highlight on the Tasmanian event calendar.
About 5000 people attend the farm each year to take part in the maze.
Last year, the crop featured cyclist Richie Porte.
Liberty Balloons will also be organising hot air balloon rides over the maze.
The farm will also be selling vegetables from its garden.
Hazelbrae House will cater again for maze visitors and will serve produce sourced primarily from the farm.
Mr Clark is extremely grateful for the fast response from Ambulance Tasmania and believes the critical role bees play in our natural environment needs to be highlighted and understood.
The maze will be open to the public from Saturday, March 2. It will be open for five weekends only.
Mid-week groups will be able to visit through pre-booking only.
For more information about the balloon rides, visit www.libertyballoonflights.com.au.