Summer in Wisconsin is short-lived, but for a few brief months, flower farms across the state burst into color, welcoming visitors to pick their own blooms. At Northern Frost Farm near Phillips, Curvue Tree Farm + Gardens outside Eau Claire, and The Lavender Homestead near Suring, visitors will find three distinct experiences, ultimately united by a shared passion for locally grown flowers and memorable moments in the field.
(Title photo courtesy of The Lavender Homestead.)
Northern Frost Farm
Nestled just outside Phillips and on Price Electric Cooperative lines, Northern Frost Farm offers more than a flower field. It is a family-run destination designed to help visitors slow down and enjoy the beauty of the Northwoods. Hannah Johnson, her husband Kyle, and their four children operate the farm, where roughly an acre of blooms bursts with color each summer. From dahlias, sunflowers, and snapdragons to cosmos, strawflower, feverfew, and zinnias, the farm’s always-changing display allows visitors to create their own one-of-a-kind bouquets.
Northern Frost Farm is focused on the visitor’s experience. Guests are encouraged to wander the rows of flowers, clip their favorites, and then linger among the blooms. A lighted pergola, picnic tables, and a fire pit create a welcoming atmosphere, while partnerships with local food trucks add to the farm’s community feel.
“We focus on offering a place to unwind and relax among the flowers,” said Hannah Johnson.
The farm also hosts seasonal events throughout the year. Tuesday evening visitors will often find a local coffee or ice cream truck on-site, while special events such as Music Among the Flowers and Painting in the Flowers just add to an already wonderful experience. As summer transitions to fall, pumpkins join the farm’s offerings, followed by handcrafted Christmas wreaths made with Northwoods evergreens.
Hannah Johnson from Northern Frost Farm holds a stunning bouquet. Beyond u-pick activities, Johnson hosts special farm events, including the Music Among the Flowers event on August 8, featuring the family musical group Down Home. Photos courtesy of Northern Frost Farm.
Northern Frost Farm is located at W5944 South Worcester Road, Phillips, WI 54555. Public u-pick hours are Tuesdays from 4:30 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning in mid-July and continuing until the first frost. No reservations are required for public u-picks. Visitors can choose a cup or bucket for flowers upon arrival, receive clippers and instructions, and enjoy the farm’s amenities after picking. Private u-picks may be booked at www.northernfrostfarm.com, where visitors can also join the email list for event updates and farm news.
Curvue Tree Farm + Gardens
Just outside Eau Claire, Curvue Tree Farm + Gardens is proving that even a small flower field can make a big impression. Known for its 10 acres of Christmas trees, the 12-acre family farm recently expanded into flower production, creating a growing destination where visitors can cut their own blooms and enjoy a quieter connection to the land. While less than half an acre is currently devoted to flowers, owner and Eau Claire Energy Cooperative member Brittney Malone says the operation is already looking toward greenhouse production and expanded growing space in the future.
The farm’s flower fields are cultivated organically, which sets Curvue apart from most commercial growing operations. In addition to the blooms, visitors can also cut fresh herbs, adding fragrance and texture to their bouquets. Among Brittney’s favorite flowers to grow are snapdragons, cosmos, and sunflowers, chosen for their distinctive beauty and intricate details.
“The joy for me is watching people take in the beauty of the colors and the peacefulness of being still,” said Malone.
That sense of peace has made the flower farm part of many meaningful moments, including anniversary celebrations and bridal showers, while others have turned to the farm’s blooms for celebrations of life. Brittney hopes visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into locally grown flowers. From managing drought, disease, and pests to nurturing plants throughout the season, flower farming requires significant time, care, and dedication. Supporting local flower farms, she notes, benefits not only farm families but also local ecosystems and communities.
Curvue Tree Farm + Gardens produces cut flowers that are showstoppers. Photos courtesy of Curvue Tree Farm + Gardens.
Curvue Tree Farm + Gardens is located at 6760 Curvue Rd., Eau Claire, WI 54703. U-pick flower hours vary, and visitors should check www.ctreesonc.com for current availability and updates. Flowers are expected to bloom through the end of September. Parking is available near the gift shop and behind the house, and guests are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear and prepare for weather and insects. Cutting tools are provided, and vases are available for purchase, though visitors are welcome to bring their own. For more information, contact curvueht@gmail.com.
The Lavender Homestead
Near Suring, The Lavender Homestead offers visitors a chance to experience one of Wisconsin’s largest lavender farms. Owned by Oconto Electric Cooperative member Eric Knudson, the farm spans three acres of organic lavender and features seven varieties, including both English and French hybrid lavenders. Each variety brings its own color, fragrance, and purpose. More than just a flower farm, The Lavender Homestead gives visitors a firsthand look at how lavender is transformed from a field-grown crop into handcrafted products.
What makes the farm especially distinctive is its commitment to producing lavender products on-site. Lavender harvested from the fields is distilled into essential oils and used to create soaps, candles, room sprays, teas, culinary lavender, and other specialty items sold in the farm store. Guests can stroll through fragrant rows of blooms, cut their own lavender bundles, and learn more about the many uses of a plant often known only for its beauty.
“Lavender is much more than a beautiful flower. It’s a versatile crop that can be enjoyed in bouquets, culinary creations, essential oils, teas, candles, soaps, and many other handcrafted products.”
For Knudson, the farm is as much about creating memories as it is about growing flowers. Visitors regularly stop for family photos, and one recent evening even brought a marriage proposal among the lavender rows. The farm’s mission extends beyond its fields, with a portion of admission proceeds donated to the Oconto Area Humane Society. By supporting local flower farms, Knudson hopes visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the care, patience, and craftsmanship behind every bloom.
Lavender is more than just a cut flower; it is a versatile crop, according to Knudson. Photos courtesy of The Lavender Homestead.
The Lavender Homestead is located at 13905 Balsam Lane, Suring, WI 54174 and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout July and August. Admission is $2 per person, with 50% of admission fees donated to the Oconto Area Humane Society. Visitors can enjoy u-pick lavender, photography opportunities, a farm store, free parking, and a new pavilion for relaxation. The farm’s lavender blooms from July through early August, with the 2026 season expected to conclude around August 16. For bloom updates and event information, visit www.lavenderhomestead.com or follow The Lavender Homestead on Facebook.—Dana Kelroy