You Pick at WildBirdFarm

Picking Details:

-       Our address is 9700 NW 158th Ave. Madrid, IA 50156

-       Please park in the designated parking areas.

-       Picking options are a $20 cup or a $30 jug. The cup will fill a quart mason jar or similar vase nicely and the jug will create several arrangements.

-       We accept exact change, check, PayPal, or Venmo at the farm.

Picking Tips

-       Cut deep! Cutting the bloom deep into the plant encourages longer stems. An ideal length is from your fingertip to elbow. You can trim the stems later to fit your vase.

-       If possible, cut the stems just above a set of leaves. This is often where a new flower will grow.

-       Flowers vary on the optimal picking time. ZINNIAS: Do a ‘wiggle test’ for zinnias. If the flower head flops around with the stem is moved it needs more time to mature. SUNFLOWERS & COSMOS: Cut when flower is just beginning to open.

-       Strip lower leaves. Debris in the vase water can shorten the life of your booms. This includes submerged leaves/foliage. Be sure to strip your stem of any leaves that will be below the water line.

A few things to consider before you head to the You Pick:

-       Wear comfortable shoes/clothing. Some of the You Pick rows are on a slope. It’s usually hot and the flowers love full sun, so bring sunscreen and water, etc. with you!

-       We have large dogs that are super friendly but they do like to bark. They will be penned during You Pick hours. We do not allow dogs at the You Pick.

-       You will be able to take your flowers home in the cup or jug. The cup should fit in your car’s cup holder but you may want to bring a bucket to put the jug in to protect your car from spills.

-       There will be bugs, bees, and other creepy crawly things amongst the flowers. Please use caution if you’re allergic.

-       We don’t have public restrooms available (hopefully next year!)

Other stuff we have to mention:

-       We love taking photos and hope you find the opportunity to do so at our farm! We do offer private time slots for professional photographers and ask that you not use You Pick hours for such – please reach out for details and pricing.

-       Please keep your children close and in the designated You Pick areas.

-       Per our insurance, children are not allowed to use the snips.

-       We ask that you don’t bring pets.

Fresh Flower Care

-       Display your bouquet away from direct sunlight, air vents, and ripening fruit/veggies.

-       Lightly trim the stems and replace the water every day or two for the longest vase life!