BLOOMING FOR U(PICK). Madison Seelhammer, pictured, and her husband Reid recently opened their flower farm, Clark's Farm, to the public. (Photos by Darcy Barragan)

Snapdragons, forget-me-nots, dahlias, cosmos, zinnias, marigolds, sunflowers and honeywort. While you might picture a collection of blooms perfect for a summertime bouquet, the founders of Clark’s Farm see a display of heritage – rooted in their love for the gardens once tended by their mothers and grandmothers before them. 

Madison and Reid Seelhammer, the owners of Clark’s Farm (11376 WI-178 Trunk, Chippewa Falls), have begun a new venture on a half acre of floral beds and pumpkin patches. The latest U-pick flower service in the area, the farm has just about everything customers need to bring home a customizable bouquet.

If the Seelhammer name seems familiar to you, it might be from the owners’ sister business in second-hand and vintage retail, Red Pine Supply. Don’t worry folks, Madison ensured this new venture amongst the rolling hills of Chippewa Falls only adds to the charm of the other.

“We hope to provide a place people feel welcome and at home,” Madison said of Clark’s Farm. “We will have racks of Red Pine Supply clothing as well and food trucks at different times in the summer.”

“We are excited to expand our floral offerings each summer and to hear what the community would like to see grown.”

Clark’s Farm first opened its offerings to the public in late July and aims to remain open through the month of September. Bouquets currently cost $20 for a 20-ounce cup and $7 for a “mini cup.”

Floral picking tips from Madison Seelhammer of Clark’s Farm

• The best times to pick are early in the morning or later in the day.
• Cut stems deep while leaving a few sets of leaves below so they can branch out and continue growing. Be sure to choose strong stems.
• Cut at an angle and strip stems of the lower leaves so there is not foliage in the water as that can contaminate the water and shorten the vase life.
• Change out water each day.
• Each flower differs slightly in the best time to pick, some open after being picked others do not.

To that end, the Seelhammers provide the essentials to make a bouquet – from snips and water-filled cups to a picturesque backdrop. Visitors can even catch a glimpse of the highlander cows grazing on Madison’s family farm just across the way – her legacy is woven through the experience.

“We are honored to be a part of the many local farms in the Chippewa Valley,” Madison said. “My maiden name was Clark; my grandparents Ralph and Lois Clark and then dad (Ron) and uncle (Larry) ran the dairy farm which the flower farm is located across from.”

“I have such a deep respect for farmers and am so thankful to have grown up in that environment – it felt only right to name the farm Clark’s,” she continued.

Madison reflected on how the sight and smell of flowers often elicits fond memories of family, a sentiment she hopes to share with locals of all ages who stop by Clark’s Farm yet this summer. 

In its first season of operation, the Seelhammers emphasized their commitment to environmental stewardship through pollinator-friendly plants and by keeping their blooms free from chemicals or pesticides.

Madison’s tips to make the most of your U-pick farm visit? Because there are no restrooms on site, plan ahead; leave your own containers at home so bouquet sizes remain uniform; while water is available on-site, bringing your own bottle is always a good idea to stay hydrated in the fields.

Clark’s Farm Summer Hours & Events

Open 10am-8pm, Thursday through Sunday each week

Aug. 20 - Neighbors Coffee Truck on site

Aug. 22 - Acai Bowl Food Truck on site

Aug. 26 - Neighbors Coffee Truck on site

Sept. 3-4 - Neighbors Coffee Truck on site

Sept. 10 - Neighbors Coffee Truck on site

Visit redpinesupply.com/pages/flower-farm to learn more about Clark’s Farm (11376 WI-178 Trunk, Chippewa Falls). Follow along with new updates on blooms in season and hours of operation, online via Instagram (@clarksflowerfarm).