The last of the snow has vanished from the edges of meadows, revealing damp earth warmed by sunlight and patches of crocus pushing up through the thaw. In southern Maine, where pine meets pasture, spring doesn’t just arrive – it slowly reclaims the land. And when it does, the world tilts back toward color. Lavender lupines and magenta phlox sway in the breeze, and the promise of summer hums quietly through the hills. Here, on a flower farm tucked into Buxton’s rolling landscape, the season stretches wide and fragrant, inviting exploration, wonder, and an armful of fresh-cut blooms.
A Hands-On Floral Escape
Step into more than three acres of thriving flowers – alive with color, fragrance, and an irresistible invitation to snip your favorites. At Little River Flower Farm, you’re not just strolling through beds of dahlias and zinnias – you’re curating your own bouquet from the very earth.
There’s a simple delight in finding a “pick-your-own” flower field. Whether gathering stems for a celebration or just indulging in the sensory pleasure of bloom-filled fields, it’s hard to resist the joy of plucking petals straight from the source.
Many visitors come to gather flowers for weddings, parties, or just the joy of taking some beauty back home. Every stem feels a little more special when chosen by hand, and every arrangement tells its own story.
Reserve a spot with friends, and spend time together selecting perfect blossoms, bounding through the fields in soft sun and gentle wind. The experience feels both grounding and celebratory – a nod to nature and cherished connection.
Whether you’re celebrating a special milestone or simply brightening your day, the blooms you gather here become art in motion – vivid memories preserved in color and scent.
The Charm of Spring in Southern Maine
There’s something restorative about the first real thaw of spring in Maine. Despite a few lingering cold snaps and the occasional wet morning, the shift is palpable – longer, warmer days and the unmistakable smell of fresh soil.
As the season unfolds, flower farms scattered across the countryside become irresistible destinations, places where you can feel the renewal not just in nature, but in your bones. One farm, in particular, captures the spirit of Maine just right: a peaceful, petal-rich retreat that signals the colorful return of outdoor wanderlust.
The Beauty of Little River Flower Farm
Tucked among the trees in Buxton, just a short drive from Portland, Little River Flower Farm spans 110 acres of blooming beauty. The land itself feels endless – lush fields cradled between dappled forests and the gentle curve of the Little River.
If you’ve ever found yourself searching for flower fields near the southern coast of Maine, this is the one to discover. It’s the perfect blend of rustic charm and cultivated grace.
Here, the land is attentively nurtured by Nancy Stedman – lovingly known as the “Flower Lady” – who grows over 7,000 blooms organically each year. From sun-burnished coneflowers to airy cosmos, every petal has been carefully coaxed from the earth.
Wander the grounds and you’ll see more than flowers. The 1815-era farmhouse has been thoughtfully restored, nestled beside beds of perennials and emerald fields. A winding path traces the riverbank, where water murmurs over smooth stone and the air smells sweet with pine and pollen.
Sustainable Growth and Seasonal Surprises
Little River Flower Farm is a place that grows with intention. Beyond the wide-open planting fields, a large greenhouse and twin hoop houses provide space for extending the season, nurturing tender plants in the shoulder months of spring and fall.
Between 7,000 and 9,000 annual flowers are planted each year, transforming the hillsides into ever-changing palettes of texture and hue.
The rotating cast of floral favorites might include lilacs with their creamy perfume, alliums rising like violet spheres, and soft grape hyacinths that scent the fields with cool sweetness. Every visit brings a new bloom to discover, a fresh vista to admire.
A Stay in Bloom
Falling for Little River Flower Farm is easy – and for those who’d like to linger a bit longer, there’s even a charming cottage where guests can stay overnight. Nestled right on the property, it offers a front-row view of both sunrise and season, as well as serene access to the blooms just beyond the doorstep.
The farm welcomes visitors Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and rests quietly on Sundays. It’s located at 160 Turkey Lane in Buxton, a stretch of countryside seamlessly blending quiet charm with vibrant color.
Sweet Roots Beyond the Blossoms
Just when it seems the flower fields have delivered all their delight, there’s one more treat in store – homemade pie. The farm is home to acres of blueberries that burst with flavor in the height of summer, perfect for picking or savoring baked into something unforgettable.
Because here, nature’s gifts come in many forms: petals and fruit, fragrances and flavors – all woven into the rhythms of Maine’s most vibrant seasons.
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