A Late Summer Harvest at PepperHarrow
Some evenings the light does something that makes you hustle out to grab a bouquet of flowers, even though the day was hard, and you feel like you just want to sit in your easy chair. This bouquet, well, it was one of those. I'd been cutting in the celosia rows, the sun was going down behind the barn, and I looked at what was in my hand and thought, this is the whole season, right there in one bunch.
Y’all have asked for a bouquet ingredient list for several of our bouquets this season, so let's take a minute to walk through what’s in this beaut. If you've ever picked up one of our market bouquets or had a mixed arrangement delivered and wondered what exactly you were looking at, this is your answer.
Zinnias
The workhorse flower! The salmon blooms doing most of the heavy lifting here are Benary’s Giant Salmon Rose Zinnias, and if you want to understand why flower farmers plant them by the thousand, look at how they hold a bouquet together. They've got the full, layered petal structure that reads as "flower" from across a room, and they come in a range of warm tones that play well with almost everything else in the field.
One thing worth knowing: zinnias don't ripen after cutting. You have to harvest them right. We use the wiggle test, grab the stem about eight inches down and give it a shake. If the flower head flops around, it's not ready. If the stem stays rigid, cut it. That single trick is the difference between a zinnia that lasts a week and one that wilts on the drive home.
Dahlias
The rounded, geometric blooms in peach, copper, and cream are dahlias. These are the flowers people fall in love with, and I understand why, the petal arrangement is almost mathematical. The ones used here are PepperHarrow’s ‘Atlas’ varieties, but are not yet named. Be on the lookout when we release them online in early January for pre-sale.
Dahlias are also the most labor-intensive thing we grow. Tubers go in after last frost, they need staking, they need pinching, and in the fall we dig every one of them back up, divide them, and store them through an Iowa winter. It's a full year of work for a bloom that lasts about five days in a vase.
Worth it. Obviously!
Celosia
This is where it gets interesting, because celosia doesn't look like one plant. There are two distinct types in this bouquet.
Plume celosia is the flame-shaped orange and soft ivory/rose shades reaching up out of the top. Those are the ones that give an arrangement height and motion. In the field they look like something out of a coral reef. Shown in this bouquet are Sunday Orange and Starlight-a variety we bred at PepperHarrow.
Cockscomb celosia is the dense, velvety, folded mass on the left side, the one that looks almost like brain coral or a piece of fabric. People either love it immediately or find it deeply strange. I'm in the first camp. The texture is unlike anything else you can grow. Shown in this bouquet its our Pink Lemonade variety that we bred.
Lisianthus
The ruffled pink bloom in the lower left and the pale green buds scattered throughout are lisianthus. It kind of looks like a rose, but what a rose lacks in vase life, lisianthus makes up for it 3-fold. The vase life is exceptional. Ten days, sometimes two weeks, or more.
It's also one of the slowest, fussiest crops we grow. Seed to bloom can run five or six months. The seedlings are microscopic and slow growing, but once established, a single plant will send up wave after wave, and the unopened green buds are almost as beautiful as the open flowers.
Snapdragons
The pale creamy white spires with the tight buds running up the stem. Snapdragons give an arrangement vertical structure, they draw your eye up and out of the center mass. They also keep opening after you cut them, so a bouquet with snaps in it actually changes over the week you have it. The buds at the top will open days after the ones at the bottom. The variety shown here is Potomac White.
Eucalyptus
The round silver-green leaves are silver dollar eucalyptus, and the smaller-leafed stems with the seed pods are seeded eucalyptus. This is the foliage that makes a bouquet look finished instead of just full.
Greenery is the thing most people skip when they're arranging at home, and it's the thing that matters most. Foliage creates negative space. It gives the flowers room to breathe and keeps the eye from getting overwhelmed. It also smells incredible, which doesn't hurt.
PepperHarrow Farm is a 60-acre flower and lavender farm in Winterset, Iowa. Fresh bouquets are available in season — visit pepperharrowfarm.com for hours, events, and workshops.
Putting It Together
There's no exact formula here, but there is a logic: something with substance and mass (zinnias, dahlias), something with height and line (celosia plumes, snapdragons), something with texture (cockscomb, wheat celosia), something soft and unexpected (lisianthus), and greenery to hold the space between them all. Most importantly, all flowers that bring joy!
That's a good bouquet in any season. What changes is what's blooming.
Everything in this arrangement was cut the same evening, within just a few hundred feet of where I was standing when I took the photo. That's the part I don't take for granted, that the whole thing came out of ground we've been working for fifteen years now, and it will be back again next season, a little different, a little better.
Come see it while it's happening. The celosia rows are worth the drive on their own.
XX Jenn
Sowing Seeds for Fall Blooms - The Last Round Is Done!
There's a pretty big feeling of satisfaction to be able to tackle starting seeds in the middle of summer. The lavender is finishing up bloom, the fields need weeding (always), and every day feels like there's one more thing to do than there are hands AND hours to do it in. But last week, because of the extreme heat wave, we managed to carve out a little pocket of time for our team to come inside for a reprieve from the heat to start our the last of our fall seeds.
Seedlings and a lavender plant grown at PepperHarrow
This time of year usually gets away from us. Between harvesting lavender, staying ahead of the weeds in every field, and all the other tasks that stack up in high summer, seed starting for fall can slip past before you realize it. So getting these trays going feels like a real win.
We went a little lighter than usual this year, but here's what's coming for fall:
The last zinnias of the season, in orange, red, and yellow. Zinnias are one of those flowers we can't quite say goodbye to, because they’re so useful for bouquets and so in demand, so we like to squeeze in one final planting to carry us into the shoulder season. The fall colors that we start are especially helpful!
A beautiful mix of fall colored zinnias grown at PepperHarrow
Cosmos in white and pink. They're such a light, airy addition to fall bouquets, and by the time these bloom, the softer palette will feel like a lovely contrast to everything else happening on the farm. They also add such a soft and romantic look to the farm that we can’t help but plant lots of these beauties!
Another versatile seed we started for fall blooms is amaranth, in both burgundy and brown. I’m still debating if we should also add a few coral into the mix this year too.
These are the workhorses of fall arrangements for us. Their color is great, they add a wonderful textural element, and hold beautifully into the cooler months. If you've ever taken one of our arranging classes, you know how much we lean on amaranth during the autumn months.
Also…pumpkins. Okay, I know it’s not a flower, but come on. How do you skip pumpkins? These are pure fun, they'll be a big part of what we've got going on come autumn, and they just bring me a lot of joy.
That's the list! A little shorter than some years, but we're okay with that. Farming has taught us again and again that trying to do everything usually means nothing gets done very well and we end up making ourselves feel bad and it’s just not worth it. So this just feels right. A very manageable round of seeds, that we can actually tend properly through the summer heat and into the fall.
We'll keep you posted as they come up. Fall on the farm always sneaks up faster than we think, and before you know it these little trays will be in the ground, blooming, and ready for the last big harvests of the year.
XX Jenn
PepperHarrow Farm's Second Annual Lavender Festival Was a Smashing Success!
The lavender fields were bursting with vibrant electric violet, the weather was beautiful, and visitors traveled from across Iowa, around the midwest and beyond to celebrate the Second Annual Lavender Festival at PepperHarrow Farm in Winterset, Iowa.
One of the largest lavender farms in the Midwest, PepperHarrow Farm welcomed guests for two unforgettable days filled with blooming lavender, artisan shopping, educational demonstrations, family activities, farm tours, and the opportunity to cut their own fresh lavender bouquets. The event brought together flower and nature lovers, families, artists, and local businesses for a celebration of lavender in the Iowa countryside.
Lavender Fields in Peak Bloom
The highlight of the festival was undoubtedly the lavender itself. Guests wandered through 12 acres of fragrant lavender fields, taking in the sights, scents, and beauty of one of the most unique agricultural destinations in Iowa.
Many visitors enjoyed cutting their own bouquet of fresh lavender to take home, creating a memorable hands-on experience while learning more about how lavender is grown right here in the Midwest.
For many attendees, it was their first visit to a working lavender farm, and the fields provided countless opportunities for photographs, relaxation, and connection with nature.
Lavender Shopping in the Farm Shop
The PepperHarrow Farm Shop was a favorite stop for many festival guests, offering a curated selection of our most-loved lavender products and seasonal merchandise. Visitors enjoyed browsing shelves filled with handcrafted lavender beauty products, soothing apothecary items, and other farm-made favorites that capture the essence of the lavender harvest.
The shop also featured exclusive Lavender Festival t-shirts and specialty items that allowed guests to take a piece of the celebration home with them. Whether they were searching for a thoughtful gift, stocking up on their favorite lavender essentials, or discovering PepperHarrow products for the first time, the Farm Shop provided something special for everyone.
Festival guests shopping for handcrafted lavender products, gifts, skincare, and festival t-shirts at the PepperHarrow Lavender Festival farm shop.
Artisan Vendor Village Showcased Local Talent
Artisan Vendors
The Artisan Vendor Village featured an incredible collection of local makers, artists, growers, and small businesses. Guests spent the day browsing handmade goods, specialty foods, artwork, home décor, jewelry, and unique gifts while supporting fellow Iowa small business owners.
The artisan vendor village added energy and excitement to the festival and offered visitors a chance to discover products crafted by talented artisans from across the region. An unexpected gift was that these local makers also have the opportunity to network together, which is even more wonderful!
Lavender Demonstrations Educated and Inspired
Lavender Demos
Throughout the festival, guests gathered for lavender demonstrations where they learned about growing, harvesting, and utilizing lavender in everyday life.
From lavender growing techniques, harvesting practices, to sourdough and pasty baking with lavender, attendees gained valuable insight into the work that goes into producing high-quality lavender. These educational sessions were especially popular among gardeners and aspiring lavender growers looking to learn more about growing lavender successfully in Iowa.
Plein Air Painters Captured the Beauty of the Farm
Adding to the charm of the weekend were several talented plein air painters who set up throughout the property to capture the beauty of the lavender fields and surrounding countryside.
Painting by local artist Leslie Leavenworth
Guests enjoyed watching works of art come to life in real time as artists painted the rolling landscape, blooming flowers, farm buildings, and vibrant festival scenes. It was fun to see guests purchase them straight from the artist, or in the event barn, after the works were brought into the farm shop after they were completed.
This was easily one of my personal favorite parts of the entire festival. It was absolutely incredible watching these beautiful creations being made. Of course, I had to buy two of them for myself, because they were so good. I didn’t even have to ask my CF(N)O for permission. Lol! He was 100% on board with me buying two of them to hang in our own home. What a way to commemorate this wonderful festival!
Plein Air Painting at Lavender Festival
Family Fun for All Ages
The Children's Activity Area quickly became a favorite destination for young festival-goers. Families enjoyed story time, farm animals, coloring activities, bubbles, and hands-on play opportunities designed to help children connect with the outdoors.
Seeing families explore the farm together and create lasting memories was one of the most rewarding parts of the weekend.
Guests Explored PepperHarrow Through Farm Tours
Guided farm tours gave visitors a behind-the-scenes look at PepperHarrow Farm and its evolution from a small flower farm into one of Iowa's premier agritourism destinations.
Guests learned about the farm's history, its growing lavender production, flower fields, educational programs, and the resilience required to rebuild following the devastating tornado that impacted the property in 2022.
The tours provided a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into maintaining a thriving flower and lavender farm in Iowa and also PepperHarrow’s 15 + year history of how we got to the farm and of growing flowers,
Adam from PepperHarrow During the Farm Tour
Delicious Eats and Refreshing Treats
Our lavender festival experience wouldn’t be complete without delicious food and refreshing drinks, and this year’s festival offered plenty of both. Guests enjoyed a variety of local favorites throughout the weekend, including savory lunches from Tangerine Food Company and Chick-Fil-A, handcrafted coffee and beverages from Savor the Rise, and sweet frozen treats from Snow Nouveau. Festival-goers also had the opportunity to enjoy a special offering from PepperHarrow itself, our house-made Lavender Lemonade, created especially for this year’s event. Whether visitors were looking for a full meal, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a cool refreshment while exploring the farm, our food and beverage vendors helped make the festival an even more memorable experience.
Lavender Cookies from Prairie Rose Desserts
Why PepperHarrow Continues to Be One of the Best Flower Farms in Iowa
Visitors frequently tell us that PepperHarrow Farm offers more than just beautiful flowers. The combination of stunning lavender fields, educational experiences, family-friendly activities, local artisans, and authentic farm experiences creates something truly special.
Whether guests visited for the lavender, the shopping, the photography opportunities, or simply a peaceful day in the countryside, the festival showcased why PepperHarrow has become a favorite destination for flower lovers throughout Iowa and the Midwest.
12-Acre Lavender Field in Full Bloom at PepperHarrow
Thank You for Making Lavender Festival 2026 Unforgettable
We are incredibly grateful to every guest, vendor, artist, volunteer, and supporter who helped make our Second Annual Lavender Festival such a success.
From the smiling faces in the lavender fields to the excitement throughout the Vendor Village, the weekend exceeded our expectations in every way. Watching visitors experience the beauty of lavender in full bloom reminded us why we love sharing this farm with others.
As the lavender season continues, we look forward to welcoming guests back to PepperHarrow Farm for workshops, special events, and future flower-filled experiences.
Thank you for helping make Lavender Festival 2026 one of the most memorable weekends in PepperHarrow Farm's history. We can't wait to see you again next year.
Lavender in Bloom at PepperHarrow Flower and Lavender Farm
About PepperHarrow Farm
Located in Winterset, Iowa, PepperHarrow Farm is a destination flower and lavender farm known for its seasonal events, educational workshops, fresh flowers, lavender products, and immersive farm experiences. With expansive lavender fields, beautiful flower gardens, and family-friendly events, PepperHarrow continues to attract visitors seeking one of the best flower farm experiences in Iowa.
10 Things to Do During Lavender Festival Weekend in Madison County
Our Lavender Festival is more than an epic visit to the farm. It's the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway in beautiful Madison County, Iowa.
While you're enjoying the blooming lavender fields at PepperHarrow, we invite you to explore the charming shops, cafés, restaurants, and attractions that make our community so special. From unique shopping experiences and delicious local food to historic landmarks and scenic parks, there is plenty to discover before and after your visit to the farm.
The Lavender Trail
This year, several local businesses are joining in the Lavender Festival fun by offering special lavender-inspired products, treats, displays, and promotions throughout festival weekend.
As you explore Madison County, be sure to stop by participating locations including:
Along the way at these stops, you may discover:
Lavender-inspired menu items and treats
Special lavender products and gifts
Lavender-themed clothing, décor, and unique finds
Complimentary lavender surprises at select locations
Beautiful lavender-themed window displays throughout town
It's the perfect way to continue the lavender experience while supporting the wonderful local businesses that help make Madison County such a special destination.
Start Your Morning on the historic town Square
Begin your day with coffee and a fresh pastry from Petite Café, located right on the historic Winterset Square and after breakfast, spend some time strolling through the square's charming boutiques, museums, gift shops, antique stores, galleries, and specialty retailers. The square is one of Iowa's most picturesque downtown districts and offers plenty of opportunities to discover something unique.
Visit the Lavender Fields
Of course, the centerpiece of your weekend is Lavender Festival at PepperHarrow Farm. Starting at 9:00AM each day and ending at 3:00PM, wander through thousands of blooming lavender plants, enjoy artisan vendors, demonstrations, food and beverages, shopping, flower crown making, scavenger hunt, and stunning photo opportunities throughout the farm.
Our fields are surrounded by rolling countryside, making it the perfect place to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience the beauty of summer in Iowa. Bring along a blanket or folding chair, a good book, and relax and take it all in.
Enjoy Lunch, Dinner, and Local Drinks
At the festival, grab a coffee from The Bean, Freeboard Coffee Co for breakfast and lunch from Chick-Fil-A, a pre-ordered lunch from Tangerine Food Company. Need a fun, sweet treat? The Outside Scoop, Marie Bakes, or Prairie Rose Desserts are great places to stop and get your fix.
Or, after your visit to the farm, continue your adventure with some of Madison County's favorite dining destinations. Enjoy a meal and local beverages at restaurants around the Winterset Square, or venture out to one of our local wineries, where you can relax with a glass of wine while enjoying the scenic countryside.
Breakfast, Coffee & Lunch
Petite Cafe — Coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and light lunch options. A perfect stop before heading to the farm.
Harvest Market — A great option for breakfast or lunch on the Winterset square, featuring fresh-made meals and local products.
Lunch, Dinner & Drinks
The Drift — One of Winterset's most popular gathering spots, serving craft beer, wine, cocktails, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and Sunday brunch.
Urban On The Square — A cozy downtown restaurant known for elevated comfort food and seasonal menu offerings. Great for lunch or a relaxed dinner.
Mi Pueblito — A local favorite for Mexican cuisine, including fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, and margaritas.
China Cafe — Offers Chinese and Vietnamese dishes with generous portions and quick service.
Casual Family Dining
Urban Taproom and Grill — Family-friendly atmosphere with brick oven pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and craft beer.
The Sports Page — Casual American fare with a sports-bar atmosphere.
A Fun Local Classic
Frostee's — A classic Iowa drive-in known for tenderloins, burgers, onion rings, ice cream, malts, and summer treats.
Lavender themed beverages from the Petite Cafe.
Explore the Covered Bridges
No visit to Madison County would be complete without seeing the famous Covered Bridges of Madison County.
Known as Iowa's covered bridge capital, Madison County is home to six historic covered bridges that draw visitors from around the world. These iconic landmarks provide beautiful photo opportunities and offer a glimpse into the area's rich history.
Photo courtesy of Explore Madison County
Get Outside and Explore
If you're looking to spend more time outdoors, visit some of Madison County Conservation’s beautiful parks and trails.
Pammel State Park offers scenic hiking trails, limestone bluffs, shaded picnic areas and be sure to check out the new Conservation Center.
Another option is to check out Winterset City Park, which features the historic Clark Tower, the Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge, hedge maze, stone bridge, and an award-winning inclusive playground.
Note: the main entrance to Pammel State Park is closed, so you will need to enter from an alternate route from Hwy 169 to Carver Road.
It's a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty that makes this area so beloved.
Discover Local History
History enthusiasts won't want to miss two of Winterset's most popular attractions.
Visit the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum to learn about one of America's most famous actors, born right here in Winterset. Then stop by the Iowa Quilt Museum, which showcases incredible textile artistry and rotating exhibits from quilters across the country.
Also, check out The Carver Park. It was dedicated 25 years ago to memorialize the inspiring story of this well-known American citizen. This little pocket park stands next to the former hotel where he worked (which is now the Winterset Fire Station) and includes a memorial marker, five new interpretive panels, picnic benches, and a short walkway.
Make It a Weekend to Remember
Whether you're visiting for a few hours or planning a full weekend getaway, Lavender Festival offers the perfect opportunity to experience everything Madison County has to offer.
From fragrant lavender fields and charming local shops to historic landmarks, delicious food, and scenic countryside, we hope you'll take some time to explore beyond the farm and discover why so many visitors fall in love with this special corner of Iowa.
We'll see you in the lavender fields!
XX Jenn + Adam
The Best Flowers for a Cottage Garden
There is something magical about a cottage garden overflowing borders, flowers spilling onto pathways, buzzing pollinators, and armfuls of blooms ready for the vase. It's a garden style that feels both effortless and abundant.
At PepperHarrow, cottage gardens hold a special place in our hearts. While the look may seem casual, the most beautiful cottage gardens are thoughtfully planted with flowers that provide fragrance, texture, and blooms throughout the entire growing season.
If you're dreaming of creating your own cottage garden, here are some of our favorite flowers to include and the ones we grow right here in the fields of Madison County.
What Makes a Cottage Garden?
Traditional cottage gardens combine ornamental flowers, herbs, and flowering shrubs in a relaxed, layered design. Rather than neat rows and formal plantings, cottage gardens embrace abundance. Plants intermingle, bloom times overlap, and every corner offers something beautiful to discover.
The cottage garden beds at PepperHarrow in full midsummer bloom.
Star of the Late Summer Garden
Dahlias
Few flowers provide the drama and volume of dahlias. From dinner-plate blooms to delicate ball varieties, dahlias bring months of flowers from midsummer until the first frost and they produce armloads of blooms for bouquets along the way.
Left: Our beloved Café au Lait dahlia. Right: A late-summer armful from the dahlia field.
Fragrance, Beauty & Pollinator Power
Lavender
No cottage garden feels complete without lavender and it's at the heart of everything we do at PepperHarrow. With more than 18,000 plants across 13 acres, we've seen firsthand how lavender anchors a landscape while softening every edge around it.
Plant lavender along pathways where visitors can brush against the blooms and carry that signature scent with them. It pairs beautifully with roses, cosmos, and any soft-toned perennial.
Our lavender fields in bloom the heart of PepperHarrow each June.
Effortless Beauty
Cosmos
Cosmos embody everything we love about cottage gardens. Their delicate, feathery foliage and dancing blooms create movement and softness throughout the landscape. They're incredibly easy to grow from seed and bloom generously for months, drawing butterflies all season long.
Vertical Interest & Early Color
Snapdragons
Snapdragons provide the upright spires that help create the layered look cottage gardens are known for. Blooming in a wide range of shades, they fill the gap between spring and summer flowers and make outstanding bouquet additions one of our most-requested stems at the Des Moines Farmers Market.
A midsummer bouquet from the PepperHarrow cutting gardens.
Classic Cottage Elegance
Delphinium
Few flowers capture the traditional cottage garden aesthetic quite like delphinium. Tall spires of blue, lavender, pink, or white create dramatic focal points and pair beautifully with roses and peonies. They thrive in the cooler temperatures of an Iowa spring and bring a touch of old-world charm to the garden.
A Springtime Showstopper
Peonies
Peonies are beloved for their lush, full blooms and incredible fragrance. Though their season is short, few flowers make a bigger impact in late spring. Their large blossoms pair beautifully with other cottage garden favorites, and they produce some of the most stunning cut flowers you can bring into the home.
Colorful & Productive
Zinnias
If you're looking for flowers that bloom all summer long, zinnias deserve a prominent spot in your garden. They thrive in Iowa's hot summers and reward gardeners with continuous color until frost. We grow Queen Series zinnias here at PepperHarrow for their exceptional stem length and bloom size.
Our Queen Series zinnias and a Madison County sunset that's hard to beat.
Planning for Blooms All Season
The secret to a truly great cottage garden is succession layering flowers with different bloom periods so something beautiful is always happening. Here's how we think about the season at PepperHarrow:
- Peonies
- Sweet Peas
- Delphiniums
- Ranunculus
- Lavender
- Snapdragons
- Delphiniums
- Lisianthus
- Cosmos
- Zinnias
- Dahlias
- Sunflowers
- Dahlias
- Cosmos
- Zinnias
- Amaranth
Fall harvest bouquets from the PepperHarrow fields dahlias, cosmos, and seasonal foliage.
Bringing the Cottage Garden Home
The best cottage gardens aren't perfectly manicured. They're alive with pollinators, overflowing with blooms, and filled with flowers that invite you to slow down and enjoy the season.
Whether you're planting a small border or transforming an entire landscape, incorporating flowers like dahlias, lavender, cosmos, snapdragons, peonies, and zinnias will help you create the romantic, abundant garden you've always imagined. By choosing for succession spring bulbs into summer annuals into fall dahlias your garden stays vibrant from the last frost all the way to the first.
Happy gardening from all of us at PepperHarrow nestled on the bluffs above the Middle River Valley in Winterset, Iowa.
Visit Us at the Farm
Come experience the cottage garden in person. Join us for a workshop, pick your own bouquet, or browse our seasonal lavender products we'd love to see you.
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