‘U-Pick’ Opportunities For Flowers Around Western Montana

When I go on vacation or travel, I often look for opportunities to visit flower farms and botanical gardens. Sometimes, I'll take advantage of the 'U-Pick' opportunities because there are interesting plants that grow in other places that don't grow in Montana.

But I'm kicking myself because it never occurred to me until I saw a post on social media that I could take advantage of 'U-Pick' opportunities in my community. I know there are excellent flower farms in the region, but I didn't realize they had 'U-Pick' until now.

Much to my surprise and delight, there are 'U-Pick' opportunities in western Montana and we are just entering the time of year when it's ideal to take advantage. Here are several to choose from but of course, if you know of others, please message us on the app and we'll update our list.

Forsythe Farms, Frenchtown, Montana

With over 200 lavender plants and 6 varieties, Forsythe Farms in Frenchtown is a great option if you'd like to pick some lavender.

• July - September
• When: Thursday evenings 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Sunday mornings 8:00 am - 10:00 am
• Preregistration is required--book here.

Field Five Flowers, Huson, Montana

One of Missoula's favorite florists, they haven't announced the opening of their U-Pick season yet for 2024, but keep an eye on their Instagram account for updates. Typically, though, they have opportunities from July to October on Sundays from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. You can also read about the cost and what to bring on their website.

Garden City Harvest, Missoula, Montana

Garden City Harvest in Missoula encourages you to pick their flowers for your event, and to come the day before for the best freshness. They have 25 varieties and even have inspiration if you want to do your own arranging.

• July - September
• Appointments are necessary, and a week's notice is necessary for any event
•  Contact them via email or phone to schedule a pickup and learn more on their website.

Crescent Ridge Farm, Alberton, Montana

For a private U-Pick opportunity, Crescent Ride Farm in Alberton, Montana, will even block out days before your reservation to "ensure optimal flower selection." Again, the opportunities are usually from July - September and they offer 5-gallon bucket-sized hauls for their U-Pick.

Bonus: Flower Share

If you love fresh flowers from local farms but you're not interested or don't have time to pick them yourself, you can sign up for a Flower Share.

Farm Hand Farm: Adelaide Every offers flower CSAs in varied lengths--10 weeks, 4 weeks, and dried blooms in the fall, too.

Crescent Ridge Farm: In addition to private U-Pick, Crescent Ridge Farm also has a flower share with local pick-up options.

Missoula Farmers' Market and Missoula People's Market: don't forget, many farms will have stands at the markets with flowers, too.