If you’re looking for a family-fun, back-to-nature activity, then consider checking out a field of fresh flowers. No, I’m not talking about walking onto private land to help yourself to the labors of someone else’s love. Nor am I thinking about visiting the many garden centers in and around Puget Sound (though Molbak’s in Woodinville and Flower World in Maltby are amazing!).
Instead, I’m thinking more about flower farms, where people are welcome to visit and enjoy nature’s colorful wonders. There is something special about stopping to look, enjoy and, yes, smell the flowers. Plus, you can take some home with you at these five fabulous farms statewide (alphabetically):
Adeline’s Peonies – I haven’t been to Toppenish (about 175 miles southeast of Seattle) but I hear this Yakima Valley establishment is the real deal. Adeline McCarthy and her family laid the groundwork for their flower business in the 1930s, and now – four generations later – they are known for producing some of the best peony varieties in the country. You can preorder on the phone and pick up in person or feel free to help yourself and select a bunch for only $1 a stem.
Kruger’s Farm – While not in Washington state, Kruger’s is as close as you get. Based on Sauvie Island, on the other side of the Columbia River and just northwest of Portland, Ore., Kruger’s offers a range of tasty items and fresh flowers for your picking pleasure. In addition to a pumpkin patch and you-pick berries, the farm offers self-select flowers – zinnias, sunflowers, snapdragons and more, July through September.
Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm – In the Lake Hills section of Bellevue, people visit this farm for you-pick blueberries at about $1.50 a pound. You can also pick up fresh-cut flowers and a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Parking is limited but adventurers will find spots in local parking lots within a short walk. And bring your state-issued ID as collateral for the temporary use of blueberry-toting buckets.
Local Roots Farm – In the northeast corner of King County (Duvall, to be specific), Local Roots is a family-run, 20-acre organic farm that features some of the freshest produce around. A supplier to local restaurants, the farm is also open to the public for its self-pick flowers for as little as $5 a bouquet.
Sequim Lavender Farm – While there are many local lavender farms (bundled into the previous link), my personal favorite is Purple Haze. There is wildlife strolling the grounds, a great gift shop, eatery and of course rows and rows of purple haze. The fragrant smell of lavender will stick on your skin and clothes for days after you visit, pick and take home a bunch for yourself and friends. (The state holds a lavender festival in nearby Port Angeles every July. It’s a somewhat long – but definitely worthwhile – day trip from Seattle.)
No time to pick your own? There are the amazing flower arrangements available daily for a reasonable price at Pike Place Market and at Seattle Wholesale Growers Market in Georgetown (open to the public, at retail prices, on Fridays, 10am-noon).
This is the time to get picking!