Peony farm near Milford draws visitors at peak bloom

MILFORD, Iowa (KTIV)— A peony farm just outside of Milford has reached peak bloom and is drawing visitors from across the region.

Silo Ridge Peony Farm started with two plants and a big idea during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

“I had two plants at my house during 2020 Covid and it was April and I spotted them coming up out of the ground and I thought I can’t wait to have my fresh flowers by my sink in my kitchen. It just made doing dishes a little bit better,” said Shelly Matthias, owner of Silo Ridge Peony Farm.

By that fall, Matthias and her family had planted 5,200 peony plants.

“I knew I wanted to do agro-tourism so that all generations could share this experience together,” Matthias said.

Three years later, the plants bloomed, and so did the business. This is now the fourth season the farm has been open to the public, offering more than 200 varieties and 7,000 plants.

“My main job is cutting the flowers, but I do a little bit of everything. I like to greet customers, work with them, get the flowers and make bouquets. As well as doing more of the field work such as dive budding and taking care of the flowers,” said Jordyn Mitchell, a Silo Ridge Peony Farm employee.

Word has spread well beyond Milford. Sharron and Mark Hanson drove 55 miles from Minnesota to see the farm.

“We found it on Facebook and we don’t want to miss it so this year we decided that we are coming, and this is really an adventure. I am amazed by how many flowers they actually have. And I am amazed by all of the people that are here. I think it is great,” the Hansons said.

Cut bouquets and peony plants are available for purchase.

Silo Ridge Peony Farm is open every day through June 8 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Learn more here.

Want to get the latest news and weather from Siouxland’s News Source? Follow these links to download our KTIV News app and our First Alert Weather app.