Meet the Farmer
Hey there! I’m Christy Heckathorn, the founder, farmer and florist behind Fleurish Flower Farm.
The flower farm’s roots actually go back to my childhood in southwest Minnesota. My dad was an entrepreneur and grower of unusual things: mushrooms, asparagus, and my brothers (ha!). Growing up around all his adventures taught me to not shy away from big dreams.
I attended South Dakota State University in Brookings where I met my husband, Chad. After college, we planted ourselves near Elk Point, SD, to raise our family. Chad farms corn and soybeans; I grow flowers. His agronomy experience plus my love for all things beautiful makes us a great team.
My flower farm is a refreshing creative outlet for me. I find joy in each unique part of the seed to vase process. I love using sustainable ways to start seeds, taking care of the ground they grow in, and creating a space for the community to enjoy. My mission is to share beauty, cultivate joy, and give back.
About the Farm
Our ½ acre flower farm is one of the most charming spots in southeastern South Dakota. The picturesque farm site is home to the enchanting flower field, picket fences, and the iconic 1800s summer kitchen featured in our logo. We grow over 50 varieties of specialty flowers, many of which cannot be found in stores.
An unexpected feature of our farm is the well-maintained grass runway. Pilots are welcome to fly in for events. Talk about a one-of-a-kind experience!
During the flower season (mid-July to October), the farm is routinely open for the ever popular You-Pick nights. Unique pumpkins are also available later on in the season. Live music and local food vendors complete the delightful evenings, making You-Picks the perfect outing for dates, families, or girls nights.
The farm is also available for private events, if you’d like to enjoy the beauty more. Part of this is our range of wedding floral services. From bachelorette experiences to the DIY bride to full wedding design, Fleurish has something for everyone.
Thelma’s Summer Kitchen
You might recognize this charming house as Fleurish Flower Farm’s logo, but the roots of this little cottage actually go back over 100 years ago. When the Heckathorns acquired the site in 2015, they found the remains of an impressive 1800s farm operation, previously owned by Thelma Kalstad. Although most of the buildings were eventually torn down, Christy saw potential in the quiet summer kitchen.
Summer kitchens were commonplace in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Aptly named, the small, shed-like buildings were used as summertime kitchens to keep the main farmhouse cooler. The advent of running water and AC made most summer kitchens obsolete. Thelma, however, lived her farmhouse until 1998 with neither.
Thelma’s summer kitchen once sat just steps behind her house. The small porch has the year 1908 written in the corner of the concrete. Original vines still climb the front porch, and some of Thelma’s irises also bloom in the grove behind. It’s all a glimpse of a bygone era. The front porch swing overlooks the flower field, which is located on the site of the 1800s cattle lot.
On your next visit, be sure to check out the summer kitchen. Relax on the front porch swing and enjoy the dreamy view in the summer sunset.
What’s blooming this year?
Amaranth | Aster | Babies Breath | Bachelor’s Button | Basil | Bells of Ireland | Carnations | Celosia | Chamomile | Chocolate Lace Flower | Cosmos | Dahlias | Feverfew | Globe Amaranth | Lisianthus | Marigolds | Phlox | Queen Anne’s Lace | Rudbeckia | Scabiosa | Snapdragons | Statice | Strawflower | Sunflowers | Zinnias
…and more. Come experience stunning flowers for yourself!