Michigan Cut Flower Farms

These six farms offered u-pick in 2015. Check to make sure that is still the case in 2016 before arriving.

1. Hamilton Dahlia Farm (616) 218-7666, janet@hamiltondahliafarm.com Check website for directions in Hamilton, MI
2. Holmestead Farms, 2102 West Long Lake Rd. Traverse City, MI 49685 (231) 668-7482
3. Kiteley’s Farm Market, 3805 Brock Road, Charlevoix, MI 49720, (231) 547-2318 kiteleyfarms@hotmail.com, http://www.kiteleyfarms.com/
4. Lavender Hill Farm, 1219 Morris Dr., Niles, MI 49120, 269-684-0123
5. Michigan Flower Farm, 22460 Garfield Rd. Northville, MI 48167, (248) 390-7266.
6. Omena Cut Flowers, 12401 E Freeland Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682, seven miles north of Suttons Bay on M-22 in Leelanau County (sign visible along M-22). faught3@aol.com (231)883-8327

“Lavender Hill Farm” Photo Credit: Jean Starr

One of the most spectacular flower farms I visited was Hamilton Dahlia Farm. Imagine the bright crayon colors of this in-your-face flower as far as the eye can see. While I was there, a bride and her attendants carried buckets and clippers along the rows, choosing flowers in the bride’s colors and style. I was there to take photos, so I didn’t partake in the picking, but I could have if I’d been prepared with containers and cash. (Most growers don’t have the ability to accept credit cards, so cash is always welcome.)

“Hamilton Dahlia Farm” Photo Credit: Jean Starr

While I was there I visited with a florist who was filling her van with buckets of Dahlias. She had a couple of weddings she was buying for and customers who came in for bouquets each week. Florists throughout the country have embraced this fresh flower approach. While some prefer the consistent look of imported blooms, others appreciate that some flowers just don’t travel well and like to have a local outlet available.