NORTH
Dame Farm and Orchards , Johnston
FLOWERS : Tulips and daffodils After purchasing the property in 1890 , the Dame family first made its farm profits off of dairy cows and apple orchards . The family lost ownership after the state gained control of the property in 1969 . For many years following , the farm sat idle . After subleasing the land from the Rhode Island Historical Farm Association in the early ’ 70s , the family resumed farming and a wholesale market began its operations . In 2012 , leasing became an issue and the Dames moved their business across the street . Seven generations later , Dame Farm and Orchards operates as a farm stand and flower farm . In previous seasons , the farm has grown summer varieties of zinnias and sunflowers . KNOW BEFORE YOU GO : Customers must pay for all flowers they pick . Bring your own clippers or heavy-duty scissors . Backpacks , large shopping bags and other large containers are not permitted .
Opening mid-April to the public . Call before arriving for the most up-to-date information , including hours and admission prices . 91B Brown Ave ., Johnston , 949-3657 , damefarmandorchards . com
SOUTH
Petals Farm , West Kingston
FLOWERS : Dahlias , zinnias , sunflowers , celosia , marigolds , amethysts Thanh Luu is a one-woman show who moved to the state nearly a decade ago and began growing lettuce and a single bed of zinnias and marigolds . She was inspired by her aunt ’ s joyous reaction to receiving flowers . Over the years , her dream has bloomed into cultivating an eleven-acre field of varietals . In addition to her flower farm , she provides florals to a handful of weddings each year and sells to local farmers markets and distributors . In the spring , she stocks ranunculus , anemones , tulips , narcissus , snapdragons , peonies , bells of Ireland and more . From July to
EDITOR ’ S NOTE : Farm openings are weather-dependent . Check social media and online announcements for the most up-to-date information .
PHOTOGRAPHY OPENING PAGE ( CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT ): COURTESY OF WICKED TULIPS FLOWER FARM / MAAIKE BERNSTROM PHOTOGRAPHY ; FOUR TOWN FARM ; JAMES JONES STUDIO ; MANFREDI FARMS .
84 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l MAY 2022