The Dahlia Experience
I can’t choose a favorite dahlia. I’ve tried, but it’s impossible. Every time I’m out in the field harvesting, I’m convinced that whatever bloom is in my hand at that moment is my favorite—until I move on to the next. And the next. There’s something about being surrounded by dahlias that makes you feel like you’re living inside a painting. From a distance, they create a sea of color, swaying with the breeze. Up close, their intricate petals spiral into perfection, each one unique in its shape, hue, and texture. Harvesting them has become one of my favorite tasks—a quiet, meditative process that feels both relaxing and deeply satisfying.
Dahlias have a way of filling you with wonder. Whether they’re brightening up a backyard garden, elegantly decorating a kitchen table in a humble mason jar vase, or blooming in breathtaking displays at the local Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, their presence is pure magic. And then, of course, there’s our own dahlia field—a vast expanse of thousands of plants, each one bursting with beauty. Walking through those rows, clippers in hand, never gets old.
I never planned on becoming a flower farmer. I didn’t even realize that was something I could do. At first when the opportunity arose, it wasn’t the flowers themselves that drew me in—it was the lifestyle, the chance to be near my family. The real gift of farm life is the time we get together. Our little girl—and any future children we may have—gets to grow up in this rhythm of the seasons, playing in the dirt, watching things grow, and learning the simple joys of working with our hands. We eat meals together at the table or right out in the field, breakfast, lunch, and dinner woven into the pace of farm life. This, more than anything, is why I love what we do. I couldn’t ask for anything more!
But dahlias. The love for dahlias is real and it started the moment I planted my first tuber. Watching them sprout, grow, and finally burst into bloom was one of the most satisfying experiences I’ve ever had. Each time a flower unfurled, I was instantly awestruck. There’s something truly magical about growing dahlias yourself. The process is simple, yet the reward is breathtaking. If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own cut flower garden, filling your home with fresh flowers, or simply experiencing the joy of growing something beautiful, I can tell you this: dahlias will surprise and delight you every step of the way.
That’s why we’re so passionate about sharing dahlias with others—not just through the flowers we grow, but by making it easy for you to grow them yourself. Our dahlia tuber shop is open now (for just another day until next season), our collection is filled with a stunning selection of varieties that thrive in home gardens. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or planting flowers for the very first time, you’ll be amazed at how easy and rewarding it is to grow dahlias.
And if you want to be surrounded by thousands of blooms, we invite you to experience the magic of dahlias in person at our U-Pick events! Stroll through the rows, cut your own bouquet, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our dahlia field. Whether you're a local or visiting the Mendocino Coast, this is an unforgettable experience—one that will leave you just as awestruck as I was when I saw my first dahlia bloom.
So whether you want to grow your own dahlias or visit our farm for a U-Pick day, we’d love to share the Dahlia Experience with you. Because once you’ve seen these flowers up close, you’ll understand why I can never choose a favorite!