CULTIVATE COMMUNITY. Since 2021, Firefly Hill Flower Farm in Bloomer continues to grow flower varieties native to the state of Wisconsin, with respect for the wildlife which surrounds them. From peonies (pictured above) to yarrow, dahlias to eucalyptus and swamp milkweed – these sustainably grown blooms are transformed into fresh bouquets and custom arrangements for locals in the Chippewa Valley. (Submitted photo)

For a few fleeting months each summer, one prairie in Bloomer is illuminated by what appears to be thousands of fireflies. As the landscape shifts from daylight to dusk, these glowing “gifts” offer Firefly Hill Flower Farm (15605 155th Ave., Bloomer) co-owners Kevin Hite and Sarah Bergstrom a visual sign of hope.

They serve not only as the business’ namesake, but a visual cue for the owners to maintain their commitment to regenerative practices and ecological health for the land which surrounds them.

“They feel like an ecological indicator of the health of the farm,” Hite told Volume One. “I can’t share that whole evening experience with everyone, but I can share flowers that come from the same living landscape.”

Since 2021, Firefly Hill Flower Farm has cultivated varieties native to the state of Wisconsin, with respect for the wildlife which surrounds them. Both owners grow with the land in mind, “so pollinators, birds and people can all share the season.”

Within 120 total acres of land, select prairie parcels feature a blend of annual-cut florals and perennial beds – from peonies to yarrow, dahlias to eucalyptus and swamp milkweed – that are transformed into fresh bouquets and custom arrangements for residents in the Chippewa Valley.

“We are not just selling flowers. (We are) selling a story of our community.” –Kevin Hite, co-owner of Firefly Hill Flower Farm

With a goal to reduce chemicals and plastic consumption and increase sustainable grazing for wildlife, Firefly Hill Flower Farm promises each flower customers receive has been harvested with care.

Hite, with a background in urban and regional planning; sustainable management and soil development; education and as an Eau Claire Area Master Gardener, said he has found a way to apply these skills in local systems.

“Our main mission is to work the land in a way that can continue, because this has been my wife’s family farm for 150 years,” Hite said. “I’ve always wanted to farm. I’ve always wanted to grow flowers.”

“We are not just selling flowers. (We are) selling a story of our community,” he continued.

"I try to keep the natural cycles and everything in mind," Hite said. "I have a rule (when) harvesting, that if there's a bee on that flower, I can't pick that flower that day." (Submitted photo)

In addition to grower’s choice bouquets ($35) and premium DIY flower buckets ($85) Hite and Bergstrom also offer photo rentals ($30/hour) on their property, farm fresh eggs – on a subscription basis – among other floral bouquet services. Each of these efforts demonstrate the interconnectedness and understanding of how each part grows in harmony, Hite said.

Here in the Valley, Firefly Hill Flower Farm has provided florals to locations including Avalon Floral (421 Water St., Eau Claire) and has its eyes set on Market On River (128 W River St., Chippewa Falls) as a place to sell arrangements and connect with customers.

“I have been really proud to educate (floral shops) of a lot of local flowers that they could use – and just how much more (beneficial) it is to be able to keep the money local,” Hite said. “I do experiment with things like ornamental oregano, scented geraniums … honestly you never know what can be in my bouquets.”

Late frosts, heat swings, droughty stretches, heavy rain and unpredictable seasonal timing can all affect bloom times – and ultimately, what floral varieties and regional grasses will thrive year-to-year. Amidst an ever-changing climate in the Midwest, Hite knows the learning journey has just begun at Firefly Hill Flower Farm.

“I want to be able to make this spot a place for members, community members and (to) learn about regenerative agriculture,” Hite said. “There are just so (many) wonderful things in nature, to work with and to share with the community.”

Kevin Hite (left) and Sarah Bergstrom (right), the co-owners of Firefly Hill Flower Farm in Bloomer. (Submitted photo)

Visit Firefly Hill Flower Farm’s website online to learn more about its regenerative agriculture practices and floral services. Kevin Hite and Sarah Bergstrom share announcements and Firefly Hill Flower Farm pop-up events, online through Facebook.