Last week the girls and I had the opportunity to go visit Alaska Blooms Peony Farm. The morning started out fabulously; we left at a reasonable time, stopped at Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop for road snacks, Magnolia napped in the car while Waverley and I performed our 1583rd Frozen singalong. We were greeted by Rachel, the owner, who complimented me on getting out with young children and I proudly exclaimed the importance of doing so. And then, as quickly as I turned my car off, Waverley threw a colossal fit. She had been extremely excited to see the peony farm yet then burst into tears and wanted to wait in the car. She spent the majority of the time we were there in the car crying. I kept checking on her, trying to coax her out with promises of pink flowers, a movie on the drive home, and more snacks. Nothing worked. So, if you’re wondering where she is in these pictures, the answer is: in the car crying. Three year-olds!

Despite Waverley’s mood antics, the day was lovely. It wasn’t raining, which this summer essentially means it is the best weather of our lives. Magnolia agreed to come out of the car and play in the flowers. And I got to meet two of the sweetest women! Rachel and her sister Becca have been harvesting peonies in Wasilla, Alaska for the past seven years. Rachel started as a home gardner and her passion for flowers grew from there! Alaska’s unique climate makes it one of the largest peony supplies to all of the United States in July and August for summer weddings. Most state’s peony supplies have completely come to halt by May/June, yet Alaska’s late summer and midnight sun help peonies to flourish here. This year Rachel and Becca are expecting 10,000 blooms! They typically sell to local florists and ship down to the Lower 48.

If you’re also itching to go explore a peony farm, Alaska Blooms Peony Farm is offering a farm tour open to the public on Saturday July 15 from 10:00am–2:00pm. Make sure to go!