Jul. 30—ALPENA, S.D. — Small flower farms are gaining ground in South Dakota, offering fresh, locally grown blooms and new ways for consumers to connect with growers. On Friday, July 25, a farm tour near Alpena showcased Eden Acres, a cut flower farm thriving amid the state’s variable climate through innovative practices and a community-focused subscription model.
The tour was organized by the South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA), SDSU Extension and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The event aimed to highlight the work of small specialty producers, share recent research, including findings related to high tunnel production and promote sustainable growing practices suited to South Dakota’s climate.
Melissa Niles, Urban Agriculture Contractor with SDSPA, explained the motivation behind the event.
“We focus on smaller operations — around 40 acres or less — including the cut flower group,” she said. “Mindy’s farm is a perfect example of how specialty crops can diversify South Dakota’s agricultural economy.”
The tour also provided a professional development opportunity. SDSU Extension, which conducts ongoing research on specialty crops and high tunnel production, hopes to equip farmers with tools to thrive despite challenges like unpredictable weather.
“We want producers like Mindy to feel confident and sleep at night knowing their tunnels and operations can withstand our climate,” said Kristin Lang from SDSU Extension.
NRCS brought a conservation and technical assistance perspective, highlighting programs that fund sustainable small-scale agriculture — including high tunnels. Their presence allowed direct conversations with farmers about accessing resources to improve production and environmental stewardship.
Eden Acres was established in 2021 by Mindy Eden as a side project that fit around her life as a wife, mother and homeschool teacher to seven children. It has since grown into a four-season cut flower business focused on producing hardy, vibrant blooms suited to South Dakota’s climate.
Eden’s love of flowers began in childhood, influenced by her grandmothers. She recalls first seeing peonies around age six or seven in her great-grandmother’s backyard and being captivated. Her grandmother, a devoted gardener who grew gladiolus, further nurtured her interest.
Central to Eden Acres is its bouquet subscription program. Subscribers receive fresh, local flowers on a regular schedule — three deliveries in spring and weekly bouquets throughout summer.
“I want customers to get something fresh, local, and seasonal — flowers you won’t find at the grocery store,” Eden said.
Eden grows primarily from seed, favoring resilient and colorful varieties like zinnias, lisianthus, dahlias, sunflowers and strawflowers. She complements these with filler flowers such as salvia and gomphrena, and cool-season crops like snapdragons and ranunculus.
For pest and weed control, Eden uses natural methods. A portable chicken and duck tractor is rotated through problem areas, allowing the birds to scratch up weeds and eat pests like grasshoppers. Large dogs patrol the farm perimeter to deter deer and raccoons, while woven weed fabric, cover crops and mowing suppress unwanted growth.
To extend the growing season, Eden is building a gothic-style high tunnel — a greenhouse-like structure that protects crops from wind and frost. Funded through an NRCS grant, the tunnel features wide spacing between hoops for stability and will eventually have roll-up sides for ventilation.
For those considering flower farming, Eden encourages a mindset of self-trust and ongoing learning. Though she doesn’t hold a horticulture degree and began without a formal business plan, she emphasized that resources and community support are available to help new growers get started.
“Know what you’re doing, and if you don’t, you can learn,” she said.
She also advises growers to avoid comparisons on social media.
“Get off Instagram,” she said. “Quit letting people make you feel bad. This is my farm and nobody else’s.”
About 70 miles southeast in Canistota, Eclectic Barnyard represents another approach to flower farming. Though not part of the tour, the farm has diversified from traditional livestock operations to include specialty crops and direct-to-consumer sales.
Duane and Jamie Buehner converted part of their family’s former cattle farm, which had previously been home to an antique thrift store, into a U-pick flower farm and photography venue. Jamie’s experience in sales and design contributed to the farm’s inviting atmosphere.
“Flower farms are really hot right now,” Jamie said. “We wanted to create a place that draws people in and encourages them to stay awhile.”
Eclectic Barnyard grows “cut and come again” varieties such as zinnias and cosmos, which continue blooming after being cut. Jamie spent time researching and watching YouTube videos to learn the best growing practices. Visitors are encouraged to fill their buckets generously.
“We often send people back out if they don’t pick enough,” Jamie laughed. “We want them to take home something beautiful that lasts.”
The farm also hosts professional photographers for styled shoots and senior portraits. Vintage furniture, farm tools, and an outdoor clawfoot bathtub can all be used as photo props. The bathtub can also be rented for sunset soaks. Next month, they will open the land to area photographers wishing to build their portfolios.
Beyond flowers, the farm hosts birthday parties that often include flower crowns and flower tea parties in their flower fortress atop an old cattle feeding mound. They also organize annual visits for residents from a Bridgewater care facility, who come to arrange flowers and tour antique equipment.
Duane’s father, Don, remains active on the farm, offering decades of experience and helping with infrastructure repairs in his 80s.
“He’s fixed up old equipment and helped us figure things out,” Jamie said. “We couldn’t have done it without him.”
The Buehners are considering Airbnb RV spots for countryside stays and hope to build a classroom to host future workshops. Another goal is to revive the family’s former antique store, Buehner’s Bargain.
Though Eden Acres and Eclectic Barnyard operate different models — subscription versus U-pick — Eden sees the flower farming community as collaborative rather than competitive.
“There’s room for everyone,” she said. “Every farm has its own strengths.”