Alberta is home to several farms where fresh flowers are grown – sunflowers, lilies, tulips, and more. Most of these farms operate on a U-Pick system, meaning customers can pick the flowers they wish to buy themselves. Farm staff are available to teach proper plant care and offer bouquet arrangement tips. These farms also provide many different attractions to spice up your day. Read on to learn more about some of them at calgary-name.
Farm Fresh Florals
In the large gardens of Farm Fresh Florals, located in Sunnybrook (Leduc County), unique species of flowers, shrubs, and herbs grow. The farm was created by Jen and Tyrell Gruningers – third-generation farmers.
Farm Fresh Florals is not like the typical flower farm, planted in long rows with a large crop yield. It is a boutique farm designed to inspire and teach guests, offering various styles and garden designs, including: U-Pick flower beds, perennial gardens, a vegetable garden, a sunflower clock, and a greenhouse often used as an indoor event space.
The farm also features a gazebo for events, a photo booth, and a farm shop with vases and other home decor items, including antiques and vintage treasures, as well as products from local artisans.
Note that the seasonal U-Pick flower garden operates from July to October.
Blooms on 7
Located in Sherwood Park (Strathcona County), Blooms on 7 is a family business run by the Sims family. For seven years, Brianna Sims worked as an elementary school teacher, and in March 2019, after giving birth to her daughter, Margot, she realized she needed a job that would allow her to stay home with her little one.
Throughout her career, she worked to integrate nature and plant care into her classroom. At home, she also tended plants, and her home garden quickly took over the entire backyard in the suburbs. So, in the midst of the global pandemic, Brianna made an important decision: to move her family to Strathcona County and start a flower business. Brianna’s family also had extensive knowledge in garden planning and growing, so they embraced the idea.
In November 2020, they purchased seven acres and began working on creating Blooms on 7. This required hard work, tears, dedication, and lack of sleep, but the efforts were not in vain.
The flower farm initially took up half an acre. They decided to use natural fertilizers and low-impact plant management methods to maintain the existing soil ecosystem, as well as avoid using plastic and non-compostable waste on the farm. The farm opened to the public in August 2022.
The growing season here lasts about 123 days, meaning flowers bloom from June to September. Both annual and perennial plants of various varieties are grown.
Birchwood Meadows
Birchwood Meadows is located in Sturgeon County. The U-Pick gardens here open in mid-July and remain open until the first frost.
The farm also has a plant and souvenir shop where visitors can purchase gifts for special occasions, plants for home decoration, and more. Birchwood Meadows is perfect for romantic and unforgettable celebrations, as it features special locations and gardens designed for photo shoots.
Eagle Creek Farms
Eagle Creek Farms, located in Red Deer County, is owned by the Mills family. The Mills family has been farming this land since 1921, initially using horses for farming. In the late 1940s, tractors, chemicals, and fertilizers were introduced. By 1980, the farm had expanded from 160 acres to over 2,000 acres of owned and leased land, combining grain, hay, and cattle.
In the 1980s, a new wave of technology, resources, and machinery helped the family scale up the farm. At that time, seed potatoes and carrots were planted. Later, in addition to vegetables, traditional grain crops, fruits, and flowers were planted, and entertainment areas were created. The main flowers grown include sunflowers and lilies.
Primrose Lane Farm
This farm is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, near Waterton Lakes National Park. After spending six years in the city, the Primrose family realized they wanted to raise their children in the countryside.
They found a small plot of land, planted their first garden, and raised a few chickens and horses. This is how Primrose Lane Farm was born. However, over time, they needed more land to realize all their farming dreams.
In the summer of 2017, the Primroses moved to a property with grassy hills, a 6-acre pond, and plenty of space for their animals, near the town of Cardston, not far from Waterton Lakes.
Since moving, they have been growing organic meat and produce. Additionally, flowers have been grown on the farm since 2015. Like their produce, the flowers are grown without chemicals, pesticides, or herbicides.
At Primrose Lane Farm, there is a wonderful opportunity to pick your own flowers and spend the evening among the gardens, enjoying the sunset, exploring the variety of flowers, and breathing in the fresh country air.
Field Flower Farm
Field Flower Farm is located in Foothills County and specializes in seasonal flower growing. The farm provides fresh premium flowers to customers and local florists, grown without pesticides and herbicides. They also offer flower design services.
Florist Melina MacArthur, who has always been passionate about flowers, moved to Foothills in 2018, received a flower design certification, and then started Field Flower Farm with her husband Douglas.
Initially, Field Flower Farm operated as a home-based flower design studio. They started small, growing cut flowers for their own design work. Over time, the farm grew into a large selection of premium flowers. To protect the plants and extend their growing season, they use greenhouses for a few weeks. The season typically runs from May through late September. Flowers are harvested and delivered in bloom to ensure the longest flowering period. The flowers are fresh, unique, and always change with the seasons. Each season offers something new and beautiful.
Fraiche Flower Farm
Fraiche Flower Farm is a small farm located in the tiny village of Tallbilly Lake. They sell seeds, ranunculus bulbs, anemones, daffodil and tulip bulbs throughout the year. The farm is organic and does not use pesticides. The farm also offers various workshops on creating wreaths for Christmas and other festive events.
Fraiche Flower Farm was founded by Madeline Cooper and her husband Dan. Dan has lived in Alberta his whole life, while Madeline is from the Pacific Northwest. The couple bought the land in November 2018, and at the time, they had no idea they would embark on a journey into floriculture. Initially, they grew flowers as a way to make friends, but over time, the hobby turned into a real business and a way of life.
The farm offers U-Pick flower gardens, where visitors can spend the day with their children or friends, creating bouquets and floral wreaths. It’s also a wonderful spot to enjoy the beautiful gardens by the lake, sipping wine and savoring delicious meals. The farm’s private picnics are perfect for an evening date or simply a fun time with friends.