Plan Your Visit to PepperHarrow

Looking for a charming escape to a quaint town nestled in the heart of Iowa? Search no more! Pack your bags and hit the road (or take to the skies) for an enchanting getaway to our picturesque flower farm situated in Madison County, Iowa. Renowned for its scenic rolling hills, historic covered bridges, and as the birthplace of John Wayne, our county promises to be a relaxing, fun weekend getaway.

Guests often inquire about additional activities while visiting our farm, wondering, "What else is there to do?" The answer is simple: this Mayberry-esque community offers an abundance of delightful attractions and experiences that are sure to capture your heart. Today, we're excited to share a selection of recommendations to enhance your visit to our flower farm and explore all that our charming county has to offer.

Begin your road trip with delicious pastries and coffee at Petite Cafe, nestled in the heart of Winterset Square.

Or, take a short 20-minute drive to the nearby town of Earlham to visit Beans and Beignets for another delightful treat.

Both spots boast a delicious variety of pastries and coffee, complemented by excellent customer service.

While you're in Winterset, be sure to explore the shops on the square. From boutiques and art galleries to jewelers, restaurants, bars, and antique stores, the Winterset Square is a prime destination for shopping!

You can also head to RJ Home in Earlham, a vintage and handmade market open just one Friday, Saturday and Sunday a month. Check their website for when their next market will be held! You won’t want to miss it.

Next, book a private tour of PepperHarrow Farm! We'd be delighted to host you on our 20-acre property. Or, join in on one of our unique classes & events.

Surrounded by 8.5 acres of stunning flowers, relax and unwind amongst fields of lavender, annuals, perennial flowers, and wildflower areas, which support local pollinators.

Ready for dinner and drinks? Madison County offers a wide variety of options.

Check out local winery, Madison County Winery It’s a short drive from the town square. Be sure to check out their event calendars for live music and food truck events!

For delicious food and draft beers, head to The Drift and Urban on the Square, conveniently located on the Winterset Square. Both locations offer an expansive food menu with local beers and drinks.

Discover the natural beauty of Madison County by surrounding yourself in nature through Madison County Conservation Board’s parks.

Explore the excellent hiking trails at Pammel Park, just outside Winterset, and Goeldner Woods, a short drive south of Earlham.

Both locations feature well-maintained, dog-friendly trails and fantastic spots for picnicking.

Don't miss the iconic Covered Bridges of Madison County.

As the covered bridge capital of Iowa, Madison County boasts six picturesque bridges, with two accessible by paved roads.

Book a private tour of these historic landmarks here.

Finally, visit Winterset City Park, where you can explore the historic Clark's Tower with picturesque views of Madison County, the stone bridge, the Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge, as well as the brand-new, all-inclusive playground.

All are located within the park, which makes it a quick stop for some fun ways to explore.

Additionally, explore the rich history at the John Wayne Museum, which celebrates the life and legacy of the famous actor, and the Iowa Quilt Museum, showcasing exquisite quilt artistry and heritage.

For more inspiration, check out the latest issue of Midwest Living Magazine, which features a day’s itinerary to explore our beloved Madison County, with even more ideas for great places to visit!

DSM Magazine Feature

Did you catch our feature in the latest issue of DSM Magazine? We are ecstatic to be highlighted among the city's finest establishments, all offering unique and unforgettable dining experiences. Check it out and join us in celebrating this exciting moment!

Our Lavender Al Fresco Dinner was a highlight, boasting two multi-course, prix fixe al fresco dinners from the team at Tangerine Food Co. Our guests can choose either date or both: June 21st, 2024, among two acres of fragrant lavender fields or September 13th, 2024, among 12,000 dahlias in full bloom. You’ll have a table to yourself surrounded by the flora of your choice.

Our Lavender in Bloom Picnic on June 22nd, 2024, from 5:00pm - sunset was also featured.

Enjoy a romantic evening with a picnic for two set on our gorgeous farm. Enjoy the gorgeous countryside views, beauty and fragrance of our expansive lavender fields. Stroll, take photos or a nap in our little slice of lavender heaven. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!

Check out the feature article here, and don’t forget to view the events happening at the farm all Spring, Summer, and Fall long! You can find more events at the farm here.

Seed Starting for a Second Planting: Brightening Up Your Summer Garden

Second succession planting for flowers involves strategically sowing seeds at a later time to make sure there’s a constant supply of stunning blooms to be used for gorgeous bouquets. For our second planting, we start seeds on or around the first of May, which will eventually be planted out on or around the first of June.

Beginning seed starting in May for a June planting is crucial, as it allows for the seeds to germinate in their seed starting medium to develop into healthy seedlings in time for the warmer months. This timeline helps to make sure the flowers will flourish during the peak of summer, filling the garden with an array of bright, cheery, and colorful blooms. By taking this approach, gardeners can enjoy an extended period of floral beauty and create a visually stunning outdoor space that uplifts the spirit throughout the season.

Some of our favorite seeds for a second planting include:

Zinnias

Zinnias are a must have at our farm because of how tough and productive they are. Once established, this flower just keeps giving blooms. Benary’s Giant provides a bloom large enough to work as a focal flower for our season bouquets. Oftentimes they help us through times when there aren’t any other focal flowers to pick from to use in bouquets, which makes them a nice bridge flower to use during seasonal transitions.

Strawflowers

Strawflower is one of our favorite flowers to use in fresh flower bouquets, in flower crowns, or dried and used in dried flower bouquets. The interesting color and texture makes them even more valuable to grow in the cut flower garden.

Gomphrena

Gomphrena has been a favorite dried flower we grow season after season, but this color specifically is one we absolutely love. The color of the bloom has a lovely muted color that lands somewhere between pink and purple, but is more muted, which makes also makes this flower perfect for an addition into fresh mixed bouquets.

Celosia

This is the most beautiful plumed celosia. It celosia produces the most beautiful mix of hot pink, orangey peach crested blooms. This bloom is incredibly long lasting, a valuable cut flower and it also dries beautifully and retains its color well. Simply hang upside down and let dry fully.

Statice

These flowers boast sturdy stems and compact, vivid blooms, making them an ideal addition to sun-drenched flower beds and gardens. Thanks to modern hybridization, statice varieties now offer extended longevity, allowing for their versatile use throughout the season. Their popularity as cut flowers remains steadfast, adding a touch of elegance to any floral arrangement.

What You’ll Need for Seed Starting:

Now that you are equipped with the knowledge of extending the beauty of your blooms further into the flower growing season, the next step covers materials you’ll need. Get ready for seed starting by gathering some of these essential supplies to for seed starting for your second round of blooms.

72 Cell Tray - Perfect for Starting Seeds

We love seed starting in these trays, because we can plan exactly how many plants we’re going to have to plant.

Cell Tray

Organic Seed Starter Soil Mix

The #1 question we’re asked is what we use here to start seeds. Using a seed starter mix helps to make sure you have a higher success rate with starting your seeds.

Seed Starting Mix

And seeds, of course! We have seeds available online from February-April online or any time after that at the farm. You can find seeds pretty much anywhere! Check your local nurseries, farm or hardware stores.

Seeds

Are you curious about succession planting and want more information? Check out our YouTube video on how we do multiple successions at our flower farm from early spring through early July to have vibrant, beautiful blooms until our first frost in mid-October.

As you dive into your second round of planting for a vibrant summer garden, get ready for the excitement of watching those seeds burst into a riot of colors! With just the right timing and a little TLC, your garden will soon be a lively tapestry of blooms. Armed with your seed starting essentials, you're all set to make magic happen. Get ready to get your hands dirty, have fun, and here's to a summer filled with blossoming garden beauty!

5 Easy House Plants We Grow (and 3 challenging ones)

We're diving into the world of houseplants that are not only easy to grow but also bring a touch of nature's beauty into your home. Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner looking to greenify your space, we've curated a list of 5 easy-to-grow house plants and 3 more challenging varieties to test your green thumb.

1. Pothos

Known for its resilience and low-maintenance nature, Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is an excellent choice for any indoor gardener. Its heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines add a touch of elegance to your living space, thriving in various light conditions.

2. Inch Plant (Wandering Dude):

The Inch Plant (Tradescantia zebrina), often referred to as Wandering Dude, is a vibrant and dynamic houseplant. With striking purple and silver-striped leaves, it's not only visually appealing but also adaptable to different environments, making it a great addition to your indoor garden.

3. ZZ Plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia, or the ZZ Plant, is a hardy and virtually indestructible houseplant. Its glossy, dark green leaves add a modern touch to your decor while requiring minimal attention. Perfect for those with a busy lifestyle, the ZZ Plant is a resilient and stylish choice.

4. Dracaena

With its diverse species, the Dracaena family offers an array of stunning houseplants. Known for their air-purifying qualities, these plants come in various shapes and sizes. From the striking red edges of Dracaena marginata to the vibrant greenery of Dracaena fragrans, there's a Dracaena for every indoor garden.

5. Philodendron

Philodendrons are classic and versatile houseplants with heart-shaped leaves. They come in various species, such as the popular Philodendron scandens or the heartleaf variety, known for its adaptability and forgiving nature. These plants thrive in moderate light and are perfect for beginners.

For the more advanced green thumbs out there, here’s a few we’re growing that you should check out!

6. Callisia

Challenge yourself with the unique Callisia, a plant that boasts trailing vines and delicate leaves. This lesser-known gem adds a touch of whimsy to your indoor garden while rewarding you with its resilience and adaptability.

7. Monstera Deliciosa

Embrace the tropical vibes with the iconic Monstera deliciosa. Known for its distinctive split leaves, this plant is a statement piece that requires a bit more care but promises a visually stunning payoff.

8. Monstera adansonii

Take on the challenge of nurturing the Monstera adansonii, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant. With its intricately perforated leaves, this variety adds an artistic touch to your indoor oasis, demanding a bit more attention but offering a uniquely beautiful aesthetic.

Whether you're opting for the tried-and-true easy growers or venturing into the realm of more challenging house plants, cultivating a diverse indoor garden is a rewarding journey. These plants not only enhance your living space but also bring joy to your daily routine.

Join us on March 23rd, 2024, from 10:00AM to 4:00PM for our House Plant Pop-Up Shop at the farm! Grab your own house plant to either start or add to your collection. We’ll see you there!

Easiest Flowers to Plant to Start a Cutting Garden

Cutting gardens are a great way to grow a variety of flowers specifically for cutting and bringing indoors to enjoy. If you are considering starting a cutting garden, you may be wondering which flowers are the easiest to grow, most popular and reliable for the home garden.

Here are some of the most popular types of flowers for cutting gardens:

1. Celosia - Chester Copperpot

We’ve been working on Chester over the last 6 growing seasons, perfecting the color and texture. Colors in this mix range from coppery orange, soft gold, muted orange, to deep magenta red. This is the perfect celosia variety if you’re looking for more muted fall colors for your design work, or for fall bouquets. It’s an easy seed to get started and often likes to self seed from season to season, which is an added bonus!

2. Scabiosa

Scabiosa is a delicate, lovely flower that adds a soft, airy detail to a bouquet. We grow these beautiful flowers in succession, so we always have a few in bloom to make beautiful bouquets. We also love this flower, because it’s perfect to use for botanical dyeing. It makes a lovely periwinkle blue color as a botanical dye.

3. Zinnia Benary's Giant

Zinnias are a must have at our farm because of how tough and productive they are. They love the intolerable heat and humidity of a midwest summer. Once established, this flower just keeps giving blooms. Benary’s Giant provides a bloom large enough to work as a focal flower for our season bouquets. Oftentimes they help us through times when there aren’t any other focal flowers to pick from to use in bouquets, which makes them a nice bridge flower to use during seasonal

4. Strawflower

Strawflower is gorgeous in bouquets any time of year. The fun straw-like texture of the blooms is a fun tactile experience. Strawflower adds airiness into mixed bouquets, or for design work for weddings and other events. It’s also great as a dried flower to be used for various crafts. This is a must-have addition to the cut flower garden.

5. Sunflower

Sunflowers forever! There’s something so cheerful about sunflowers in a bouquet. They’ve been a true customer favorite for several years, whether they’re bunched into a bouquet by themselves, or added to mixed bouquets. Vincent’s Choice & Vincent’s Fresh is a favorite for later season bouquets, typically after July 1st.

6. Salvia

Salvia is one of our favorite pops of color in our seasonal mixed bouquets. The little pops of vibrant blue/purple add a lot of contrast of color and interest with their shape and texture. It’s a flower we consider a ‘sparkle’ addition that seems to be the perfect finishing touch.

By choosing a variety of these popular flowers, you can create a cutting garden that will provide you with a beautiful and abundant supply of flowers to enjoy all season long. Happy gardening!

In this video, we go over the easiest cut flowers to start your flower farm or even just get started growing flowers in your garden. Starting a flower farm can sometimes feel overwhelming. We hope these videos help you simplify the process into bite-size chunks. Learn about the top easy-to-grow cut flowers, such as marigolds, celosia, zinnias, cosmos, basil, etc. Get our advice, and use these stunning blossoms to enrich your arrangements.