Your First Flower U-Pick Adventure
Stepping into the flower field at Potted Blossom flower farm for your first u-pick feels like slipping into a quiet pocket of peace, where the world slows down and the colors call you closer. If you're wondering what to expect—from parking to picking to pro-level stems—this guide has you covered, written straight from my heart as the farmer who planted every row.
Arriving with Ease
You’re adventure begins when with pulling off S. McDermott rd into our long paved driveway and parking in the paved lot shared with the neighboring event barn (not part of our flower farm). As guests, we kindly ask you to refrain from walking around the barn or other grounds. The flower field—to the left of the barn past the strip of grass— is where you can check in under our shaded oasis between the flower fields. Here you’ll find standing tables and picnic benches for resting or regrouping. We're open for public and scheduled u-picks from May through October, with exact dates and times always listed on our website—check there first so you don't miss the blooms.
Field Layout Unveiled
Picture two vibrant flower fields separated by that shady central oasis with tables and benches—our little hub of peace amid the petals. Wide walking paths of landscape fabric weave between the growing beds (no fabric in the beds themselves, just soft soil waiting for roots), so you can stroll comfortably without stepping into planted rows. Please stay on those paths to keep the plants thriving for your visit and the next.
I'm an organized chaos grower at heart, planting seeds in intentional groups but letting last year's beauties reseed wherever they fall. This means delightful surprises like sunflowers popping up right in the middle of zinnias or cosmos, adding that extra layer of whimsy and joy as you wander both fields freely. Breathe deep, let your eye catch the unexpected, and let your stress fade away.
Check-In and Bouquet Magic
Start at the front table in the shade, where I will greet you with a smile. Pick your bouquet size, pay, and we'll hand over your container—already filled with water—plus sharp clippers. The mini and standard sizes even fit neatly in a car cup holder for easy transport. No pre-purchasing needed, you can choose on arrival which bouquet calls to you.
Here's the lineup:
Mini u-pick: Perfect for little hands, first-timers, or a sweet jar by your bedside—pure pocket-sized joy.
Standard u-pick: Our crowd favorite, enough for a lush table bouquet that fills your home with peace.
Bloom bucket: Generous stems for events, sharing, or playing florist—bring home buckets of bliss.
We'll share a quick rundown: What's blooming, where to find the best stems, and a few key details to set you up for confident picking.
A quick note here to keep the joy flowing for all: We're a nonsmoking and nonvaping farm. Service animals are always welcome, but pets aren't allowed—it's our way of protecting this peaceful space. Personal phones are great for snapping casual photos of your bouquet or the fields, but if you're a professional photographer planning a shoot, please review our photography policy on the website first.
Special Blooms: Dahlias and Roses
Dahlias and roses are our cherished treasures and require the most upkeep of any flower we grow. These prima donnas are also more susceptible to disease transfer, so for the longevity of our plants, we ask guests not to cut them yourselves. I'm more than happy to grab a sanitized pair of snips and cut them for you—just ask! During public u-picks, I will often pre-cut dahlias and have them waiting in a bucket, ready for you to choose and add that extra pop of joy to your bouquet.
Dress for Flower Field Bliss
Comfort meets practicality here, so you can kneel, reach, and revel without a worry. Opt for closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals—the paths are forgiving, but goatheads like to make a sudden appearance despite my best efforts. Layer up for our May chills or October breezes; midsummer calls for breathable clothes, hat, and sunscreen since the fields bask in full sun (shade's just in the center).
Bring water and a little snack if you’d like. Kids are always a joyfully welcome with supervision; we simply ask that everyone walks between the rows and treats the plants gently so others can enjoy them too. Leave fancy outfits for later; out here, a little dirt is part of the peace.
Cutting Stems Like a Pro
No experience? No problem—we'll guide you, but these tips make it fun from the first cut.
Hunt ready blooms: Fully colored, mostly open, petals firm—not browning or dropping. Skip seedy sunflower centers.
Cut long and angled: Slice well down the stem, right above a set of leaves, at a 45-degree angle—a good rule of thumb for stem length is from fingertips to elbow. It’s always easier to trim short at home than regret a stub.
Stay gentle: Try to avoid stepping into beds or crushing foliage while you reach for a bloom; instead, move to a better angle or gently pull the stem toward you before cutting. If you’re unsure whether a stem is ready to cut, just ask—I am happy to walk the row with you and point out good examples.
Build thoughtfully: As you cut, place stems gently into your mini, standard, or bloom bucket and give them a little room to breathe. Stuffing to many stems into your container can cause damage to the stems leading to a shorter vase life. It can help to group similar heights together and tuck delicate blooms between sturdier ones to protect them.
Place cut stems right in into the water. Pro move: Remove any leaves on the stems that will be submerged in water.
Savoring the Joy
Your u-pick shouldn’t be rushed—linger in the shade, sort stems at the benches, snap a picture of your haul against the rows, or just sit and breath. Take the time to feel the breeze rustle leaves, hear bees hum their approval, and enjoy the outdoors; it's this quiet magic that fills us up. When you’re ready, return clippers to check-in—I always love to admire your picks and send you off with care tips.
Back home, recut stems, and place in vase with cool water. Depending on the time of day the flowers were cut they may need a few hours recovery. As they rest in the cool water they'll drink deep and delight you for days.
Your first Potted Blossom u-pick is more than flowers—it's joy harvested, peace pocketed, a story you'll retell. I can’t wait to see you among the blooms!