Junie Bee’s Flower Farm, located at 32800 200^th Ave in Boyd, Wisconsin, is a U-pick and DIY bouquet farm that now has another convenient location outside of Lube Suppliers in Stanley.

Sarah Swope, owner of Junie Bee’s Flower Farm, has been brightening the community with her flowers since 2021. Originally starting the farm as a hobby to keep her busy after her three children, Kyle, Katie, and Connor moved away after graduating, Sara, along with help from her husband, Josh, began to grow flowers on a trial basis. Eventually her hobby bloomed, and she began to grow flowers and create arrangements for others to purchase.

Sarah shares the special inspiration behind the name for her flower farm. “I’ve always enjoyed having a garden, and I remember times when I was young helping my grandma, Junie (Brown) Smith, plant her flower containers, and the joy flowers gave her. Later, I can remember sitting with her on the porch and the excitement just poured off her when a hummingbird or a bee landed on her flowers.” She continues, “I wanted to be able to feel that joy and excitement myself and I wanted to be able to share that with others, so when the opportunity came along where I could create a flower farm, I jumped right in. My grandma was very special, and she played a huge role in my life, hence the name Junie Bee’s Flower Farm.”

Installing the flower stand in front of Lube Suppliers in Stanley brings the color and creativity of the flower farm to the city as customers can choose from the pre-made gorgeous flower displays for sale or they can visit the farm and choose for themselves. Sarah explains the options available for those who want to purchase the locally grown flowers.  “Some come right on out to the farm and create their own bouquets by walking the flower aisles, selecting their own color schemes, and then cutting and arranging. Some contact me directly with their ideas and then I either cut for them or they come out, depending on what works best for everyone, and then others can stop by the flower stand located in front of Lube Suppliers, quickly select from what is offered, pay, and then continue on with their day.” She adds that customers who pay at the flower stand can put the money in the locked cash box at the stand or they can scan the Venmo code also located at the stand. On average, prices for the pre-made bouquets at the stand are $15 or $20 for wrapped bouquets in a vase/jar. For the u-pick field or event arrangements, the price is $20 per provided container.  Pricing can also be arranged for large groups or larger quantities of flowers based on what is needed. At her farm, Sara plans to host photographers for destination photography sessions or bridal parties and another event she plans to host is a Bouquet Bar which she says is becoming a fun trend.  She describes, “I can either host one right here on the farm, or I can help someone else set one up at their location by bringing buckets of flowers, and the supplies needed, right to them. I’d then stay onsite to help out and answer any questions.”

Living in Wisconsin poses some challenges to cultivating a variety of flowers as the growing season is relatively short, but Sara doesn’t let the limitations stop her. “This year, besides my perennials, I am growing several varieties of zinnias, amaranth, sunflowers, asters, strawflowers, celosia, statice, snapdragons, stock, ageratum, and several plants that are used mainly for foliage and their smell. I have basil and mint growing this year because not only are they both beautiful in a vase, but they smell amazing!” she comments. Picking a favorite is hard for a flower farmer like Sara who finds beauty in all types of flowers, and she remarks that her answer changes with the seasons. She says, “Right now I am in love with stock and ageratum, and I find myself drawn towards pinks, creams, and softer colors. Although I have some deep purples and bright greens that I love as well.”

Sarah’s love for flowers has changed as she’s gotten older. She remarks, “I’ve always loved flowers, I’ve thought they were pretty and most smelled amazing, but now my love is really turning into that joy I hoped for.” She enjoys seeing the happiness on the faces of her customers that brings her own joy full circle. “I love the joy I feel when I see someone smile at one of my bouquets or when I see them smiling as they walk down flower aisles. I think it is really hard, whether you’re male or female, to walk by a beautiful flower and not feel joy, even if it’s just a little.”

To purchase beautiful arrangements from Junie Bee’s Flower Farm, you can stop at the flower stand in Stanley or call Sara at 715-703269. For more information on Junie Bee’s Flower Farm and the upcoming events, you can follow her on Facebook. You can also find Junie Bee’s Flower Farm at the Stanley Fall Festival hosted by the Stanley Community Association on September 23^rd at the Stanley Community Center.