When you think of agriculture in Peterborough County, you’ll likely think about harvesting food crops or raising livestock. But Heritage Blooms U Pick Flower Farm in Norwood is one of a growing number of county farms that have expanded into floriculture — growing and marketing flowers and plants for home décor, gardening, and celebrations — an agricultural sector that’s valued at around $785 million in Ontario.
After years of wanting to own a family farm, Claudia MacDonald and her husband Ben and their three children moved to their 96-acre farm in the Township of Asphodel-Norwood, one of eight townships that make up Peterborough County, in 2021. The family purchased the farm to raise grass-fed cattle and operate a farm store for Ben’s family business, Heritage Cattle Co. However, Claudia — who is a painter — wanted to bring something beautiful to the property that would also satisfy her creative desires, and decided to grow flowers.
Recognizable from its small-screen debut on the first episode of Bell Fibe TV1’s County Blooms in 2023, today Heritage Blooms U-Pick’s bread and butter is its varieties of dahlias, though you can also find zenias, cosmos, amaranth, sunflowers, strawflowers, eucalyptus, lisianthus, celosias, and many more varieties of blooms across 12 no-till flower beds. The farm obtains its seed from Belmont Farmstead, a nursery in Havelock, and from Unicorn Blooms in Omemee.
Located at 3333 Highway 7, Heritage Blooms U Pick Flower Farm offers a roadside farm stand where guests can stop in for curated arrangements of beautiful bouquets made up of any variety of the locally grown cut, fresh florals. Since the farm is shared with Heritage Cattle Co., an on-site farm store also sells grass-fed beef products, honey, maple syrup, eggs, and more.
For a memorable evening, the farm also offers cut-your-own flower experiences beginning at the end of July or early August right until the first frost. You can fill up a mason jar or large bucket with any colour, size, and variety of flowers to create your own one-of-a-kind bouquet to take home.
Many brides also choose the pick-your-own option as a more affordable and experiential way to pick their florals for weddings and showers. With a garden reserved for special events, wedding parties can cut their own flowers and design their whole bouquet days before the special day.
Alternatively, those planning an event may prefer to bring the blooms to the party with a bouquet bar provided by Heritage Blooms U-Pick. They will be supplied with all the variety of blooms for their event so guests can get creative while designing their own unique bouquets.
The farm’s neighbouring business Samantha Ann & Co. and their new wedding venue, Pondview Estates, have used locally grown flowers from Heritage Blooms U-Pick for their event planning, as have local florists including Bethany Rose Puttkemery at Smells Like Flowers from Havelock.
Once the flowers are in full bloom this summer, Claudia will be leading several workshops including caring for dahlias, bouquet making, and dried flower printing. She has also previously partnered with local small businesses and artisans and is planning to do so again throughout the summer.
Outside of the growing season, Heritage Blooms U-Pick holds sales for dahlia tubers every spring, participates as a vendor at events such as the Magical Beginnings Wedding Show, and supports local organizations including the Asphodel-Norwood Public Library at their Seed Saturday and Used Book Sale.
For more information on Heritage Blooms U Pick Flower Farm, visit www.heritagebloomsupick.com.
The Local Advantage in Peterborough County is a branded editorial feature series about locally owned independent businesses in Peterborough County, created in partnership with Peterborough County’s Economic Development & Tourism Division.
As part of its response to the impact of U.S. tariffs, Peterborough County is showcasing the many unique businesses located in the county, both by sharing their stories of success and how they support both residents and other businesses in their communities.
Whether by shopping at local businesses, dining at local restaurants, staying at local accommodation, or enjoying local experiences, residents and visitors can enhance the economic resilience of Peterborough County during these challenging times and help establish a sustainable foundation for the future.
For more information about economic development and tourism in Peterborough County, visit www.ptbocounty.ca/ecdev and The Kawarthas Tourism at thekawarthas.ca.
