Sam and Barbara Blue, Mary’s parents, purchased Flower Valley Orchard in 1969 when they moved their family from St. Paul. Four generations of Blues, many friends, and acquaintances worked the farm and grew apples for 48 years.
In 2017 they stopped selling apples to focus on retirement but missed interacting with their many long-term customers. By starting the flower farm, they have been able to provide friends and families the experience of once again coming together at the farm, now picking flowers instead of apples.
They are thankful to continue this traditions weekends from July through September.
The farm is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm and Monday through Friday by appointment. (Flowervalleyorchards.com; 715-225-2462)
The WLP group walked along with Mary as she identified the variety of flowers available for picking. One of the most impressive varieties was the Zinnias. They were in full bloom with a rainbow of different colors.
Other blooming varieties were; Verbena, snapdragons, marigolds, gladiolus, and poppies. The 2024 list of flowers at the farm includes 35 different varieties.
After the walking tour, members of the WLP group were able to go out into the garden and pick flowers creating beautiful bouquets to take home. The lovely weather added much to the enjoyment of the evening.
The next group walk on Wednesday July 31 will be a historical walk through the business district of Lake City. Anne Tabat from the Lake City Historical Society will narrate the tour high lighting the many buildings and business important to the history of Lake City.
All community members are invited to attend. The walk will start at the gazebo in Patton Park at 6:30 pm. Watch the Graphic and Facebook for updates of the WLP group walk schedule. Questions, call Patty Svien, 345-4383.