The countdown is on! In less than two weeks we will be welcoming you all back to our flower fields for the first time this year. We’ve been working hard over the last few months to add new and exciting things that everyone is sure to enjoy. We’ve outlined a few of those changes and some improvements below. Keep reading to see what you can look forward to at this year’s u-pick sunflower season!    

The first change we decided to introduce this year is implementing weekday picnics. Traditionally we haven’t allowed outside food or drink but realize this would be a great opportunity to picnic amongst the flowers! Since we will not be having food trucks during the week (except our bakery barn), feel free to bring your own food and drink and your picnic supplies. No alcohol is permitted, unfortunately. No need to reserve a spot, just find the nearest picnic table or bring a blanket and campout anywhere in the fields. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy lunch with loved ones amongst a backdrop that can’t be duplicated anywhere else! We’re excited to see how many of you take advantage of this unique opportunity during our sunflower season this year.  

P.S if you’re looking to picnic in style, check out our Holland Ridge Farms picnic blankets! 

Photo Credit: @jimabels

You asked and we listened! After many requests, at this year’s u-pick we’ve dedicated two days a week (Mon & Tues) with altered hours for our guests. This means we’ll have fewer people and later hours. On these days, you’ll have more uninterrupted views of the flowers and the chance to experience the farm during sunset. Trust us when we say, you’re not going to want to miss it! It’s the perfect opportunity to get those engagement, anniversary, or family photos you’ve been dreaming of. If you’re looking for inspiration read our last post about top photography tips at the farm. Tickets will be limited, and you must provide your own photographer. Prices will be $20 per person for any age. Opening hours are 3 pm to 7 pm. 

Photo Credit: @carlostigs

One of the most popular questions our guests always ask us is if we allow any private parties or events to take place at the farm. Since we were never able to accommodate this previously, we thought why not try this year! We’re now offering 3–hour time slots before the farm opens to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays. Host a private party, plan a special proposal, or simply take your family photos in complete privacy. Choose between 9am – 12pm or 12pm – 3pm. Ticket price is $500 and includes a maximum of 10 people. Each additional guest will be $100. Since there will only be 8-10 sessions available throughout the season these are strictly first come first served. Tickets will be made available Friday, September 18th. 

This year we will be handing out Sunshine Awards at the farm. They’re a little something to show our appreciation for our wonderful guests. Every Saturday and Sunday we will select winners in the following categories: Best Dressed, Brightest Smile, Cutest Couple, Happiest Family, and Biggest Bouquet! On top of being chosen, you will get a little surprise to go along with your award and have your picture taken (optional if you’d rather not!) to be shared on our social media.

The safety of our guests and employees is always at the forefront of our minds.  As we reopen our fields to the public for the first time since COVID-19, we’re making sure to take every precaution necessary and to follow all guidelines. Though we are an outside venue, we are requiring guests to wear masks when you can’t maintain social distance. That means masks must be worn while entering, exiting, and in and around our farm buildings. When you’re out in the flower fields, you can take your mask off as long as you’re able to stay 6ft away from other guests. 

We’ve also made a few changes in order to better suit our guests and their needs. We’ve added plexiglass dividers in the Holland Shop so there is a barrier between our employees and customers. There will be added signage around the farm reminding crowds to maintain distance and wear masks when necessary. We’ve also made this u-pick sunflower season online tickets only, so we’re able to better control crowds and limit contact. We will have sanitation stations by our clippers and buckets and wherever else we deem necessary. For more information please read our full-length document of precautions here.