BREATHE IT IN. Ahhh, the smell of fresh-cut flowers! Get a whiff if it yourself at Curuve Tree Farm just outside of Eau Claire.

There is nothing better than fresh flowers. There. I said it. But recently I learned that there is, in fact, perhaps one thing better, and that’s cutting your own fresh flowers. But if you’re gardening-challenged like me, having just-cut flowers has been an elusive dream. Until now!

Curvue Tree Farm and Gardens, east of Eau Claire, offers U-pick fresh flowers. You show up, they lend you shears, they point you toward the flowers and you do the rest. Wander through zinnias, cosmos, sunflowers, strawflowers, poppies, and more, then snip your faves. At $1 per stem, you can build the farm-fresh bouquet of your dreams.

According to owner Brittney Malone, flower season typically runs from June until the end of September. Malone believes that it takes a community to build a successful small business, so she is focused on growing her community by bringing people to the farm.

Beyond the flower gardens, Curvue offers its popular traditional Christmas tree farm, a variety of classes for kids and adults, including a K-5 Kids Academy, and movie nights. The inviting gift shop offers farm and garden-themed merchandise, a large selection of locally crafted items, and fresh produce.

It's a wild world out there, so do yourself a favor and go cut some flowers, then repeat after me: AHHHHHHHHH.

Brittney Malone’s advice on cutting and caring for cut flowers:

• Cut directly above a joint in the plant
• Select stems with unopened buds
• Refresh the water and trim the stems every 1-2 days
• If possible, put the flowers in a refrigerator overnight

Visit Curvue Tree Farm & Gardens at 6760 Curvue Road, Eau Claire • Keep up with the farm on Facebook • Visit Curvue’s website for more information or reach out at (715) 874-6758