WRITER | MIKAYLA BALK
PHOTO | OMENA CUT FLOWERS U-PICK

U-Pick Flower Farms

Michigan is once again popping with the bluest of skies, the crisp green of leaves, and the wide spectrum of flowers. Few things can brighten a mood as easily as seeing the vivid petals of freshly sprung flowers or having a beautiful floral arrangement adorn the mantel.

Found across Michigan, U-pick flower farms are a growing industry that allows customers to hand-pick their ideal custom bouquet. U-pick’s appeal is not only in the variety and quantity of flowers that are available, it’s also attractive to those who love flowers but don’t have the garden space, know-how, or time to grow their own.

Marcy Krause of Dahlia Acres in Allendale says of the benefits of U-pick, “It supports local business, and the flowers are always fresh. That’s not something you get everywhere.” While their namesake is the dahlia, this family farm offers over 20 flower varieties, including snapdragons, sunflowers, eucalyptus, bells of Ireland, and, most recently, succulents.

Thanks to Marcy’s sister Melissa, the farm also has floral arrangement design classes and special events like pumpkin centerpiece classes and “Dinner in the Dahlias,” a catering event with live music. They also offer wedding space and allow photography sessions on the property. All types of U-pick flowers are $1 a stem at Dahlia Acres, and customers should bring their own scissors and bucket. Marcy advises coming early in the morning or after 6 p.m.

Omena Cut Flowers in Suttons Bay has been around for 20 years and overlooks the shore of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, near Traverse City. They have a passion for creating heartfelt moments and leave a guest book in their garden shed for people to write testimonials. There are stories about getting flowers for a mother’s 75th birthday and a bouquet for a friend who’s passed away. As one woman writes, “This is the cutest place I’ve ever seen.”

Half of the flowers at Omena Cut Flowers are perennials and half are annuals, totaling over 40 varieties. Jars and jugs of water, along with all necessary tools, are available upon arrival. If the sun is up, they’re open, and it is self-serve; payment can be made through check, cash, or Venmo. They also offer flowers for weddings and have a subscription program for weekly delivered arrangements.

For those in the Northville area, the Michigan Flower Farm is a large farm that offers over 300 varieties. They are open only by appointment. Check their website for information about the different flower varieties they grow and when they bloom.

Three Acre Farm in Byron Center has built a reputation of community, calling the farm “A place to refresh, re-center, and renew.” Picking time is in the morning as they close at noon. Guests should bring their own jars.

Whether you visit one of the U-pick farms listed here or stop by another, the experience is worth the effort.

OmenaCutFlowers.worldsecuresystems.com
DahliaAcresFarms.com
MichiganFlowerFarm.com
ThreeAcreFarm.net