U-Pick Flowers: Create Your Own Bouquet at Rooterville Farm

Imagine strolling through vibrant fields, bathed in sunlight, surrounded by a symphony of colors and fragrances. At Rooterville Animal Sanctuary, that dream becomes a reality! Our flower picking farm Gainesville FL invites you to experience the simple, pure joy of picking your own fresh flowers directly from the earth. Whether you're seeking a unique outdoor activity for the family, a romantic date idea, or simply a stunning, personalized bouquet for your home, our seasonal flower farm Florida offers an unforgettable experience. Come connect with nature, create beauty, and take home a piece of Rooterville's tranquility.

CHECK WHAT'S BLOOMING & PLAN YOUR VISIT!

The Joy of U-Pick: Your Flower Picking Adventure

Our U-Pick flower fields offer more than just flowers; they offer an experience.


  • A Living Canvas: Wander through rows of diverse blossoms, selecting each stem with intention to craft a bouquet that reflects your unique style and taste.
  • Photo Opportunities: The vibrant fields provide a breathtaking backdrop for family photos, senior portraits, engagement shoots, or just beautiful memories. Our flower fields for photos are truly picturesque!
  • Family Fun: A delightful and engaging outdoor activity for families FL, where kids can learn about where flowers come from and experience the satisfaction of creating something beautiful.
  • Farm Fresh & Local: Enjoy the unparalleled freshness of flowers cut directly by you, supporting local agriculture and reducing your carbon footprint.

What's Blooming Now? Our Seasonal Flower Guide

Our flower fields are ever-changing, reflecting the beautiful bounty of Florida's seasons. Here’s a guide to some of the stunning seasonal blooms Florida you might find, though availability can vary based on weather and demand.


  • Sunflowers: (Typically Late Spring - Early Summer) These iconic golden giants bring immense cheer. Perfect for a bold statement bouquet or stunning photos.
  • Zinnias: (Typically Late Spring - Fall) Available in a dazzling array of colors and shapes, Zinnias are cheerful, long-lasting, and attract butterflies.
  • Cosmos: (Typically Summer - Fall) Delicate, airy blooms that add whimsical charm to any bouquet, available in shades of pink, purple, white, and orange.
  • Gomphrena: (Typically Summer - Fall) Unique, clover-like blooms that add texture and are excellent for drying, ensuring your bouquet lasts even longer.
  • ...and other seasonal surprises! Check our social media for the latest updates on what's in peak bloom!

Pricing & How to Pick Your Perfect Bouquet

We make it easy and affordable to take home a piece of Rooterville's beauty.


Pricing:


  • Per Stem: $ per individual stem (for a few special blooms).
  • Small U-Pick Bucket: $ (approx. 10-15 stems, depending on size/type).
  • Large U-Pick Bucket: $ (fill it up! approx. 25-35 stems, depending on size/type).
  • Specialty Flowers: Certain rare or premium varieties may be priced individually.


How to Pick Your Flowers (For Longevity!):


  1. Select Your Blooms: Look for flowers that are mostly open but still have some buds, indicating they are fresh and will last longer.
  2. Locate a Node: Find a leaf node or a branch junction on the stem. This is where the plant will be able to branch out and produce more blooms.
  3. Cut Cleanly: Use sharp shears (we provide clean, sanitized shears, or you may bring your own!) to cut the stem at a 45-degree angle, just above a leaf node. This helps the plant heal and encourages future growth.
  4. Place in Water Immediately: For best results, place your freshly cut stems into a bucket of water (provided) as soon as possible. This helps prevent wilting.
  5. Remove Lower Leaves: Before placing in your personal bucket, strip off any leaves that would fall below the water line in your vase. This prevents bacterial growth.


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Plan Your Visit

Ready for your farm experience Florida flowers adventure?


Here’s what you need to know:

  • U-Pick Operating Hours: [Specific U-Pick Hours, e.g., "Saturdays & Sundays, 9 AM - 2 PM," or "Daily during peak season, 10 AM - 4 PM"]. These may differ from general sanctuary hours.
  • Check our General Visiting Hours & Admission: [Internal Link: www.rooterville.org/plan-your-visit/#hours-admission]
  • Admission: Access to the U-Pick flower fields is included with your general admission to Rooterville Animal Sanctuary.
  • Best Time to Visit: Early mornings offer the freshest blooms and cooler temperatures. Late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour lighting perfect for photos. Check our social media for real-time updates on bloom status!
  • What to Bring:
  • Sunscreen & Hat
  • Water Bottle
  • Comfortable, closed-toe shoes (you'll be walking in fields!)
  • A camera to capture the beauty!
  • Weather Policy: U-Pick is an outdoor activity. We operate rain or shine, but will close for severe weather (e.g., thunderstorms, heavy rain). Check our social media for real-time updates. No refunds for personal weather preferences.
  • Restrooms: Restroom facilities are available near the entrance to the flower fields.
  • Pets: For the safety of our farm animals and the delicate ecosystem, pets are not permitted in the U-Pick fields. Service animals are welcome.

Caring for Your Fresh Cut Flowers (At Home Tips!)

Extend the life and beauty of your freshly picked Rooterville blooms with these simple steps:


  1. Re-cut Stems: When you get home, re-cut about an inch off the bottom of each stem at a sharp angle.
  2. Fresh Water & Flower Food: Place flowers in a clean vase filled with fresh, cool water and a flower food packet (available for purchase at our gift shop, or make your own with sugar, bleach, and lemon juice).
  3. Remove Submerged Foliage: Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline in your vase.
  4. Keep Cool: Display your bouquet in a cool location, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ripening fruit.
  5. Change Water Daily: Change the water daily or every other day, and re-cut stems every few days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Do you provide shears or a bucket?

    Yes, we provide clean, sharp shears for picking and a bucket with water for transporting your flowers while on the farm. You'll then transfer them to a personal bucket or wrap them for transport home.


  • Can I bring my own vase or bucket?

    You are welcome to bring your own container to transport your flowers home.


  • Can I use the flowers for a special event (e.g., wedding)?

    Absolutely! Our U-Pick flowers are perfect for DIY event arrangements. Please contact us in advance for large orders or specific requests.


  • Are there insects in the fields?

    Yes, as a natural outdoor environment, our fields are home to beneficial insects, including bees and butterflies. We recommend wearing bug spray if you are sensitive.


  • Is smoking allowed in the flower fields?

    No, for fire safety and environmental protection, smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere on the Rooterville property, including the flower fields.