If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how much I adore flower farms! Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting my friend Shannon DeHart’s breathtaking Chateau Monette Flower Farm near Payson, Utah. Shannon and I became friends through our Instagram accounts, and when she invited me to visit her farm, I couldn’t resist. My mom, who also shares my love for flowers, was visiting, so we decided to make the trip together. Shannon’s farm is now the location where we host an annual flower farm dinner party with friends!

Disclaimer: This post does include affiliate links for your convenience. This is at NO additional cost to you but earns me a small commission. To read more, check out our disclosure policy.

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The Farm

Chateau Monette Flower Farm is a true gem nestled in the hills of West Mountain near Payson, Utah. Shannon and her husband Jared manage the 80-acre farm, which boasts a stunning variety of cut flowers. Shannon’s journey began with a few hundred lavender plants back in 2012, and since then, her passion for growing flowers has only grown. Today, she shares the beauty of her blooms with others, creating a haven where nature’s splendor thrives.

Shannon is not just a talented gardener and flower farmer but also a devoted mother of nine. She loves teaching her children the value of hard work and the joys of the outdoors. Her flower farm is a place of growth, learning, and sharing the divine beauty of nature. Shannon welcomes the public to her farm with U-Pick, weddings, and other events. She is also opening a new farm shop where she will be hosting workshops and gatherings like our flower farm dinner party.

Hosting a Dinner Party

After our visit, Shannon and I became fast friends and decided to host a dinner for our friends at her farm. Our initial plan was to dine in the middle of the flower field, but Mother Nature had other ideas. As we were setting up, the wind picked up, and a brief rain shower forced us to move our tables into the greenhouse. Despite the weather, Shannon and I proved to be a fantastic team! She crafted beautiful centerpieces for the tables, while I brought the dinnerware and food.

The Invitations

The invitations were from an Etsy shop called The Printable Party and I absolutely love them! Shannon grows the prettiest dahlia’s so I thought a dahlia invitation would be perfect. The invitations are customizable templates that you add in your own details and then print them out, text, or email them. I love this as it makes it super easy and is so inexpensive!

The Centerpieces

Shannon made the centerpieces from all the flowers she grows on the farm. She arranged them in gold compotes and they were the perfect addition to the rest of the tablescape.

The Place-Settings and Tablescapes

For the place-settings, I chose a gold and white theme, mixing new and antique dinnerware. I used elegant gold and silver flatware, and white napkins with gold polka dots.

The Menu

I spent the day preparing some of my favorite homemade recipes and to say that everyone loved them was an understatement. I made a homemade charcuterie board for a starter, soup and salad for the main dish, my yummy braided french bread, and blackberry cobbler for dessert.

My Homemade Chicken Corn Chowder (recipe coming soon to the blog) is so good and so easy to make. My favorite part is using fresh corn on the cob. The sweetness of the corn compliments the other savory flavors in the soup.

Braided French Bread

This is the best bread recipe and is always loved by everyone!

Blackberry Cobbler with fresh blackberries I picked from my neighbor’s garden.

Salad with veggies from my garden and a vinaigrette dressing.

A charcuterie board with fruit, cheese, nuts, and crackers styled on my HomeWithHollyJ charcuterie board. Isn’t this the cutest! It even has my logo laser engraved on it.

Shannon made her delicious homemade lavender lemonade, which was a hit!

Check out my other flower farm posts!

All My Thyme Rose Farm

Laughing Goat Flower Farm

Pure Peonies Flower Farm

Purple Haze Lavender Farm

Cutting Flowers

After a delightful dinner, we ventured out into the flower field to cut flowers. Shannon and I shared some of our flower-arranging tips with our friends, and everyone created stunning arrangements to take home. The evening was truly magical, with a beautiful sunset casting a warm glow over the fields as we worked.

This has become a tradition with our friend group and everyone looks forward to it each year. For the dress code, we ask everyone to wear a dress, a sun hat, and shoes that can go into the flower field.

Our friends couldn’t stop raving about the incredible time they had. Shannon and I felt so grateful for each other and for this wonderful group of ladies who made the night so special. Their appreciation and joy made it all worthwhile.

This flower farm dinner party has become an annual tradition, and we are thrilled to be hosting another one in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more details about our 2024 dinner soon! We will be hosting one in the fall of 2024 and inviting the public so watch my Instagram posts and stories or Chateau Monette Instagram for details to come should you want to come!

Hosting a dinner party at Chateau Monette Flower Farm was an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, love, and, of course, stunning flowers. It’s moments like these that remind me of the beauty of friendship and the simple joys of sharing nature’s bounty with those we love.

This was such a fun night and I’m looking forward to hosting another dinner party at Chateau Monette Flower Farm. I hope this inspires you to host a dinner party in a flower farm or some other beautiful setting. Gathering your friends together, sharing delicious food, and beautiful flowers is always a good thing!

xoxo,

Disclaimer: This post does include affiliate links for your convenience. This is at NO additional cost to you but earns me a small commission. To read more, check out our disclosure policy.

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Gold Candlesticks can be found here: GOLD CANDLESTICK

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Discover the beauty of All My Thyme flower farm in the picturesque Skagit Valley of Northern Washington.

Disclaimer: This post does include affiliate links for your convenience. This is at NO additional cost to you but earns me a small commission. To read more, check out our disclosure policy.

Exploring All My Thyme: A Flower Farm in the Heart of Skagit Valley

Welcome back to our “Flowers Farms of the Pacific Northwest” series on homewithhollyj.com! Today, I’m taking you on a journey to a lovely flower farm! All My Thyme Flower Farm, owned by my dear friend, Dawn Severin, is nestled in the picturesque Skagit Valley of Northern Washington. If you’ve ever heard of the famous tulip festival in the Skagit Valley, Dawn’s farm is right in the heart of this region.

Meet Dawn Severin: The Heart Behind All My Thyme

All My Thyme was established by Dawn Severin (pictured on the right in the image below) in 1997 as a wholesale culinary herb farm in the fertile Skagit Valley near Mount Vernon, Washington. It has since evolved into an online nursery and rose farm, specializing in potted garden roses. This beautiful location, between the mountains and sea, provides a temperate climate with an endless breeze that roses seem to enjoy.  

Over the years, All My Thymes collection of roses has grown and includes David Austin English garden roses, climbing roses, new releases, and the rediscovery of some heirloom roses. All of the roses grown on the farm are selected for certain characteristics that lend themselves to use in floral design work, as well as bestowing beauty in the garden. They are always testing new varieties to remove some of the guess work for their customers.

All My Thyme is a seasonal farm. Fragrant rose blooms begin coming in from their fields and high tunnels in late May and continue into October. Limited availability of other cut flowers, like peonies, perennials, herbs, and dahlias are offered during their unique season.  

A Rose Lover’s Dream

One of the highlights of All My Thyme is the stunning array of garden roses that Dawn grows. Partnering with the renowned David Austin Roses, Dawn cultivates some of the most breathtaking and fragrant roses you’ll ever encounter. David Austin is the most famous rose breeder, and his collaboration with Dawn brings a touch of timeless elegance to her farm. Whether it’s the classic beauty of the English roses or the vibrant colors of the newer varieties, each rose at All My Thyme tells a story of love and dedication.

A Symphony of Dahlias and Peonies

But roses are just the beginning. Dawn also grows a vibrant collection of dahlias that add a burst of color to her fields. These dahlias, with their intricate petals and stunning hues, create a dazzling display that captures the essence of summer.

And let’s not forget the peonies! At All My Thyme, you’ll find some of the most beautiful peonies I’ve ever seen. Their lush, full blooms and intoxicating fragrances are enough to make anyone fall in love. Each peony is a testament to Dawn’s skill and her commitment to growing flowers that bring joy to everyone who sees them.

These are just some of the gorgeous peonies Dawn grows on her farm.

This garden rose below is one of my favorites that Dawn grows on her flower farm.

More Than Just Flowers

All My Thyme is more than just a flower farm; it’s a place where nature and art come together. Dawn’s dedication to sustainable farming practices ensures that her flowers are not only beautiful but also grown with care for the environment. Her farm is a haven for pollinators, and her eco-friendly methods set an example for flower farming everywhere.

A Friendship Bloomed

My connection with Dawn began years ago at a flower-arranging workshop at her farm. That workshop sparked a friendship that has blossomed over the past six years. Whenever I need beautiful flowers or roses, it’s worth the drive north to get flowers from her farm. Dawn is a lovely, hardworking person with a talent for growing flowers, and I absolutely adore her. I wish I lived a little closer so I could visit more often.

FAQ’s

Can you Visit All My Thyme?

While Dawn would love to share the beauty of her farm with everyone, the farm is not currently open to the public but you can reach out to Dawn direct on Instagram via messenger @allmythyme or via her website www.allmythyme.com for more information.

Do they hold workshops on the farm?

Occasionally, yes. They enjoy hosting a variety of teachers with special skills who want to share their knowledge with others. Any upcoming events will be announced on the website and on social media.

Conclusion

All My Thyme is a testament to the beauty and artistry that can be achieved through passion and dedication. Dawn Severin’s talent and love for flowers have created a paradise in the Skagit Valley that delights all who visit. I cherish the friends I’ve made visiting the different flower farms in the Pacific Northwest, and you can read more about them in this series. There are flower farms all over Washington State, and I love that I’ve been able to highlight some of my favorites! Be sure to check out the other farms I’ve featured.

Laughing Goat Flower Farm

Purple Haze Lavender Farm

Pure Peonies Flower Farm

Stay tuned for more stories from the flower farms of the Pacific Northwest, and be sure to visit homewithhollyj.com for more floral inspiration!

Xoxo,

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Flower Farms in the Pacific Northwest

One of my favorite flower farms in the PNW is Pure Peonies. I was lucky enough to go there in 2018 and recently visited again. The owners, Jim and Renel were so incredibly warm and gracious and allowed me and a few of my friends to walk the property and enjoy the blooming peonies.

Disclaimer: This post does include affiliate links for your convenience. This is at NO additional cost to you but earns me a small commission. To read more, check out our disclosure policy.

Pure Peonies is located in Everson, Washington, which is very close to the Canadian border and is in the northwestern part of Washington state.

Renel is very knowledgeable about growing peonies and has also created a special fertilizer specific to peonies. I will link it for you here below! It works wonders on your peony plants.

Black Owl Organic Bio Char Peony Fertilizer

Peony flowers are easy to grow if you live in the right climate. They typically start blooming in mid to late spring, depending on where you live. In the Pacific Northwest, peonies start blooming in late May and into June. Bloom time also depends on the variety of peony. Some varieties bloom earlier than others which can also affect the length of the growing season.

Peonies are a perennial flower and are quite hardy. They go dormant under the ground in the fall and come back bigger every season. They are hardy to Zone 3 and grow as far south as zones 7 & 8. They need full sun and well-drained soil. They relish the cold of winter because they need chilling for bud formation.

Many nurseries offer early, midseason, and late blooming varieties, making it possible for you to stretch out the peony season over many weeks and enjoy those lovely blooms for as long as possible!

For more info on growing peonies, check out the Farmers Almanac article on Peonies.

Check out the other posts in this blog series:

Flower Farms of the Pacific Northwest Series Part One – Laughing Goat Flower Farm

Flower Farms of the Pacific Northwest Series Part Two – Purple Haze Lavender Farm

More about Pure Peonies Flower Farm

Jim and Renel purchased the farm a little over 10 years ago. They had both retired from business careers and were looking for their next adventure!

At the time it was not a flower farm, but they had a vision! Jim and Renel love peonies and knew they would grow fabulously in this region. Renel has SO much knowledge about all the best practices for growing big, healthy, beautiful peonies.

So they put that knowledge into action and started seeing gorgeous blooms the first season. Over the years, Pure Peonies has always used organic farming methods, and focuses on sustainability.

At this time, Jim and Renel are trying to phase into retirement and the farm and farmhouse is actually on the market (as of June 2023). Renel and Jim’s granddaughter Sarah and her friend Anna, are managing the farm during this years peony season. (reach out to them via their website or Instagram for details on purchasing the farm)

When I visited the farm for the second time last week, I was able to meet Sarah and Anna, as well as meet another friend Sarah Wagner (who is also a blogger Dreaming of Homemaking). It was so much fun meeting them and getting to see the farm again while in full bloom.

Visiting Pure Peonies Farm

This year, Pure Peonies farm is offering “you cut” days at the farm again this season! Visitor hours will be happening May 19th – June 26th, Fridays 3pm-7pm and Saturdays & Sundays 11am-5pm. There’s just a little time left in this years season so if you miss it, check back for next years bloom season. Anna said: “If someone wants to catch our peak bloom season I recommend they follow us on social media where we will be posting updates about what our fields look like, what flowers are blooming, etc.” You can find Pure Peonies on Instagram.

Visiting Hours at Pure Peonies

Something people have been very excited to hear is that they are offering “you cut” days at the farm again this season! They know people have really missed it over the last couple years so they have opened the farm up for this experience again. Visitor hours will be happening May 19th – June 26th Fridays 3pm-7pm and Saturdays & Sundays 11am-5pm.

For folks who can’t make it to Pure Peonies in person this season can still bring Pure Peonies into their home!

They also sell bouquets on their website and can ship anywhere in the contiguous 48 states with next day delivery to ensure flowers arrive in pristine condition. These peonies can last up to 3 months stored in a cooler and can be shipped out to you!

Another exciting thing is that Pure Peonies offers bulk quantities of cut stems for those that want larger quantities of flowers for weddings, parties, or other events. Head to the Pure Peonies website for more info on ordering Peonies direct.

Pure Peonies Flower Farm is a lovely place to visit! I hope you’ve enjoyed another post in my Flower Farms of the PNW series! It’s such a blessing and treat to visit the beautiful farms of Washington state and connect with the flower farmers who love flowers as much as I do.

I wish Jim and Renel and the future owners of Pure Peonies all the best and hope this lovely farm continues on! It’s definitely worth a visit there. Everson, Washington is a lovely little farming town full of beautiful farms and down to earth, kind people. I hope you all get to experience the beauty of this darling place someday!

xoxo,

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Flower Farms of the Pacific Northwest Series Part Two – Purple Haze Lavender Farm

I’m so excited to be sharing another post on the Flower Farms of the Pacific Northwest Series. The farm I’m highlighting is called Purple Haze Lavender Farm and is a seven-acre certified organic lavender farm located in Sequim, Washington’s on the Olympic Peninsula.

Purple Haze Lavender Farm

There are so many lavender farms in this area but so far, Purple Haze has been my favorite one to visit. I met the owner last summer when I went for the first time and enjoyed visiting with him at the farm. The farm was recently sold and I hope the new owners will continue to keep it the same way!

The Beauty of a Lavender Farm

There are thousands of lavender plants to wander amongst at Purple Haze and there is a gift shop which features Purple Haze Lavender farm’s products. You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and relax and for five dollars, you can cut your own bundle of lavender to take home. The smell of fresh lavender is magnificent!

The farm has many varieties of lavender and there is one variety that is pink!  Lavender is so beautiful, especially when it blooms. The best time of year to see it blooming is mid July to early August. I typically go during that time frame so I can see the fields in full bloom. There is a lavender festival every July in Sequim.

Sequim Lavender Festival

Have you ever seen lavender close up as it’s blooming? Its so pretty. I blew this photo up so you could see the detail more clearly. All these photos were taken in July of 2020 at Purple Haze Lavender Farm. The owner was so gracious and gave me a private tour of the farm and gardens. I went back again this summer but missed seeing it in full bloom. It was still beautiful though and you can see the reel video I made from this years visit on my Instagram @homewithhollyj

Purple Haze also allows you to walk in the lavender fields are are very generous with how they allow everyone to experience the farm. There are some great opportunities for photos here too.

There is no charge to visit the farm and there is ample parking. There are also some farm animals including a peacock and lots of cute chickens.

The farm also has a beautiful garden full of flowers and vegetables. When I went last year, the owner had planted all his vegetable plants in straw bales. I was totally fascinated by this. He told me that the plants do amazing planted this way and by the end of the season, they are just small clumps on the ground. I’m going to have to try this method sometime!

Here’s a few more photos of the flowers in the farms vegetable and flower garden.

Other Things to do in Sequim and the Olympic Peninsula.

Check out John Wayne Marina nearby. I took this photo while visiting last summer.

Our favorite place to eat in Sequim is called The Oak Table Cafe. They have the best pancakes I’ve ever had that are made with a sourdough starter. Everything is delicious though!

Sequim also has a farmers and artisans market on Saturdays, May thru October from 9am to 3 pm and located at the City Hall Plaza. The downtown area is charming with a lot of cute shops and some great places to eat.

Sequim Farmers and Artisans Market

This is the Dungeness Spit and is near Sequim and the views of  the Straight of Juan De Fuca are incredible. This is a state park and you can hike down to the ocean for these views. That is Canada off in the distance in the top left of the picture.

Sequim is also located in the Olympic National Forest’s rain shadow and receives way less rain than the rest of western Washington. It’s the cutest town and so worth the drive or a ferry ride from Seattle.

Here’s a link that lists out some of the other Lavender farms in and around Sequim.

Our bernedoodles, Coco and Copper loved visiting the farm too!

This is some of the information off the Purple Haze website:

“At Purple Haze in the summer we welcome you to wander our lavender fields, enjoy a scoop of lavender ice cream, and shop in either of our two stores-one of which is located on the farm itself  and the other one which is located in downtown Sequim at 127 W Washington Street.  During our “winter” months only our Downtown gift shop location remains open.  However, we always welcome visitors to enjoy the farm and then if you wish to shop just stop at our store downtown and we will be happy to help you with your lavender purchases.  Our store in Downtown Sequim is OPEN year round Tuesday-Friday 9-5, Saturday 10-5 and Sundays 12-4.  Pets are always welcome at the farm!”

Purple Haze Farm Vacation Rental

Purple Haze Lavender also has a vacation rental on the farm. You can click the link here for more details. Farm House Vacation Rental. The Farm House has 3 bedrooms and sleeps up to 6 guests. Take in the farm from the hot tub or porch swing, and relax into your own personal lavender farm setting.

xoxo,

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ORGANIC LAVENDER FARM

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Laughing Goat Flower Farm

Welcome to my Flower Farms of the Pacific Northwest Series – Part One! I am so thrilled to be featuring one of my very favorite farms, Laughing Goat Flower farm. This beautiful farm is located in the quaint farming town of Enumclaw, Washington, at the base of the Cascade Mountains. Majestic Mount Rainier stands tall in the background and makes for an incredible view from the farm.

The farm is owned and operated by Amy and Steve Brown. Amy and I met at a flower arranging workshop a few years ago and I was delighted to learn that the farm was only about fifteen miles from my home in Washington. Amy and I became fast friends after meeting at the workshop and I am so grateful we met! We share a love of flowers, gardening, cooking, and entertaining. I love that a friendship grew out of this and I feel so blessed to have such a beautiful farm near me and a blossoming friendship.

I have learned so much from Amy about growing flowers and gardening. She is so knowledgeable and generously shares that knowledge with me.

What Does the Farm Grow?

Laughing Goat grows many varieties of flowers including peonies, dahlias, hydrangeas, and so much more. I have enjoyed watching the farm grow and change over the past two years. Amy and Steve have transformed it into a beautiful and bountiful farm.

The farm also grows organic produce and sells it to local restaurants and customers in their farm stand. My recipes always turn out amazing when I get to use these heirloom vegetables. One of my favorite’s are the san marzano tomatoes that Amy grows each summer. My Lasagna Recipe has never tasted better than when I used these delicious tomatoes!

I loved making my Simple Tomato Cucumber Salad with produce from Amy’s farm. She grows so many varieties of tomatoes and I love coming up with new ways to use the produce she has in season.

Amy and I have loved sharing recipes and cooking together. We both love hosting and entertaining and I’m so glad we met and that we’ve been able to do these things together.

Flowers, Bulbs, Seeds, and More

Amy’s flowers are absolutely amazing. Some of my favorites are her dahlias. I was so thrilled to be able to purchase some of her dahlia bulbs this year and plant them in my garden. They are almost ready to bloom and I can’t wait!

Here’s a tablescape we created together using flowers and apple branches from Laughing Goat! Amy grew everything in this arrangement! So incredible!

Amy and I created this beautiful Farm to Table Dinner and Tablescape in my backyard. Most of the flowers and produce came from Amy’s farm and her home garden.

You can purchase bulbs, seeds, and other items on Laughing Goat Flower Farms website.

Because this is a working farm, they are unable to allow tours and wandering on the property, but watch their social channels for special farm days and you can visit the farm stand when open.

The Farm Stand is open on Saturdays from 10:00am to 2:00 pm. You can get the freshest produce of the season, cut flowers of the moment, gifts, goodies or make your own bouquet at the flower bar!

Private Events and Workshops

You can host a private event or workshop at the farm. Contact Amy Brown for more info on this. Can you imagine hosting a special dinner at this beautiful farm? We created some beautiful tablescape at the farm. Here is a sampling of some we’ve created in collaboration with Shane Meehan of Oak and Fig Floral and Dawn Severin of All My Thyme Rose Farm.

Some of the Tablescapes and Photos from the Farm

I hope you’ve enjoyed the part one of my Flower Farms of the Pacific Northwest Series featuring Laughing Goat Flower Farm. I truly love this farm and the hardworking farmers that make this a possibility. Please support local farms when you can! 

Photo Credit:

Steve Brown, Owner Laughing Goat Flower Farm

Missy Palacol

Holly Jolley (me!)

Flowers/Florists

Amy Brown, Laughing Goat Flower Farm

Shane Meehan, Oak and Fig Floral

Dawn Severin, All My Thyme Rose Farm

For more info on Laughing Goat Flower Farm, click here:

Thank you Amy and Steve Brown for sharing your lovely farm with me and so many others. It’s truly a joy to be you friend and to share your beautiful farm!

xoxo,

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