A Bounty of Blooms at Petaluma's Happy Dahlia Farm

A couple years ago, I was in east Petaluma on my way to Green String Farm and drove by something that caught my eye: an amazing field of colorful flowers. It was the Happy Dahlia Farm, a family-owned and run farm that grows — you guessed it — dahlias! I knew I had to stop and take a look, which a lot of other people seemed to be doing, too. It's an amazing place and it's open again for the season through mid-October.

These colorful blooms are amazing to behold and you can actually roam through the fields and marvel at the variety of breathtaking colors. The 7,500 flowers are all arranged by rainbow order. My daughter and I always have a wonderful time strolling throught the fields, choosing our favorite flowers, and taking photos — yes, this is the perfect place for a family photo op!

This is not a u-pick experience, but you can buy cut dahlias at the farm stand near the entrance. The person working there even volunteered to go out and cut some specific flowers for us if we wanted! Cut flowers start at $2 a piece and prices vary depending on the size of the bloom.

The Happy Dahlia Farm also offers a variety of events during the week, including kids' events and live music performances on weekends. They also offer yoga and other workshops and classes; check their website for the schedule. The farm is also available for private events and professional photo shoots.

There's a picnic area in the center of the farm with a lawn and picnic tables. Picnic table rentals cost $25 per hour and each table seats six people. There's also a kids' area with kid-size picnic tables and a play garden area with toy garden tools and aprons! It's truly a family-friendly place that's well worth a visit this fall.

Make sure to grab some pre-cut dahlias on your way out. I always buy a bunch and have found that they last several weeks when kept in water. I love looking at my beautiful dahlias on the dining room table every day!

The Happy Dahlia Farm is located at 2478 East Washington Street, at Old Adobe Road, in Petaluma. They're open Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm and Sundays 11 am–4 pm through mid-October. To learn more, visit their website at www.thehappydahliafarm.com.