Enjoy a Cutting Garden

Spreading the joy at you-pick farms

Omena Cut Flowers, north of Suttons Bay, Michigan, reflects the growing popularity of you-pick flower farms in the Midwest.

Carolyn Faught started the farm to spread a little of the joy she's gained from tending her plants daily. "A lot of people don't have flowers to pick," Carolyn says. "It's a real experience to come and just walk amongst the flowers."

Her six original small amateur beds have grown into 26 perfectly planned ones, draping over an acre with 150 feet of rolling shoreline (left). Customers can cut a bouquet or just enjoy the scenery. Many leave notes of hope, gratitude and inspiration. "Thank you for your celebration of everyday miracles," one visitor writes.