6 Places to Pick Flowers Around the Front Range

Although you might not be loving these extra soggy summer days, the silky lupines and sunflowers are soaking them up, which means we’re in for an especially vibrant bloom this year. Of course you’re sure to find fields of orange western wood lilies and purple mountain bluebells next time you’re hiking in the Rockies, but you’ll (justifiably) incite the rage of the rangers if you decide to take a treasure home. Instead, visit these U-pick farms around the Front Range where plucking is encouraged—and no green thumb is required.

Half Moon Farm

Lakewood
Spend golden hour clipping goldenrod with your girlfriends on this urban farm and vegetable garden. Half Moon Farm is hosting its first ever U-pick days starting July 21 and running through August 30 on select evenings. Don’t leave the house without your shears, though, because these events are BYO.

Upon your arrival, the farm’s flower experts will give you a vase and show you which growths are fair game to cut.They’ll even offer tips on how to dry out your florals so they last long after the warm weather fades. If you want this oasis all to yourself, you can reserve the house on property for a sunny staycation among the scarlet gilia. Clip Your Own Flowers tickets $40 per person; lodging begins at $200 per night; dates vary; 1660 Hoyt St.

Shegrows

Arvada
This pick-your-own experience is aimed at the early birds: Rise before the sun and tour this three-acre farm in the gentle glow of first light from July through October. Don’t know your delphinium from your dahlias? A seasoned guide will point out buzzworthy blooms to spruce up your space and offer picking pointers to ensure the longest vase life. Enjoy live music while you meander the aisles of moonlight romantica roses and Buena Vista English Lavender, snack on fresh pastries, and leave with a bucket full of 80 to 100 stems. Stick around for the design workshop from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for arrangement tips from a trained eye. Pick Your Own tickets $175 per person; design workshop $50 per person; dates vary; 7491 Kline Dr.

Anderson Farms

Erie
This Instagram-worthy attraction is perhaps best known for its fall corn maze and pumpkin patch, but you don’t need to wait for the first chill to check out the farm. Beginning at the end of July, Anderson Farms opens its gates to the public for sunflower season. Give yourself plenty of time to wander the 15 acres of fields sprinkled with 17 varieties of sunflowers in a spectrum of colors. Fill either a cup or a bucket with the petals of your preference and then use your loot as inspiration during the Pick and Paint class—paint and canvas provided.

The property transforms after dusk, so don’t leave too soon. Pack your s’mores supplies and book your own private campfire cove nestled among the greenery. Admission $15 per person; U-pick starts at $15 per person; opening day TBD; 6728 County Road 3-¼, Erie

The Bee Hugger Farm

Longmont
For those who prefer to play their picking by ear, the Bee Hugger Farm is one of the most laid-back locales for flower foraging. The main draw of this farm, founded in 2006, is the sprawling sunflower field that sprouts up each July. No need to make an appointment or purchase a ticket—you can visit the Bee Hugger Farm seven days a week from 8 a.m. until the sun sets. And these blooms aren’t just for admiring. The owners offer up buckets and scissors so you can snip your own sunflowers to take home through October. Just be sure to pack some bug spray; the mosquitoes love the farm as much as we do. Free, donations encouraged; 12590 Ute Highway, Longmont

Ya Ya Farm and Orchard

Longmont
Before autumn brings the annual apple harvest, this eight-acre farm and orchard comes alive with yellow marigold, blush mountain rose, and more. Beginning in August, you can roam the rows of flowers on-site and pluck as many as you wish—no reservation required. While you’re there, say hello to the resident percheron draft horses, mini donkeys, and peacocks. If the weather gods are in your favor, you might leave with a basket of lip-puckering montmorency cherries, too (perfect for pie). Admission $3 per person; U-pick free; 6914 Ute Highway, Longmont

Garden Sweet

Fort Collins
Perfect for the indecisive at heart, the build-your-own bouquet experience at Garden Sweet is fueled by the farm’s fields that flourish with more kinds of flora than even the most avid anthophile could name. Grab a pair of clippers and a bucket from the staff, and then while away the morning perusing the rows of lavender columbines, purple salvias, and pink gladioluses. No need to make up your mind, your bucket can brim with as many varieties as you can fit. Reservations for the U-pick days are first-come, first-serve, but members receive priority—along with free admission and a free pick-your-own bouquet each week in July. Admission $5 for non-members, free for members; U-pick starts at $15 per person; 719 W Willox Lane, Fort Collins