At Old Mission Flowers, a self-serve cutting garden, customers are allowed to explore the half-acre of blooms with more than 100 different perennials and a variety of common annuals. Owner Virginia Coulter says, “There is a constantly changing parade of blooms to choose throughout the growing season.” The garden is open until Labor Day.

            Patrons can visit the garden shed for instructions on how to pick and pricing.  Cutting tools, vases, jars, paper cups and pails are available. The business operates on the honor system. Guests pick flowers and put money or a check in a pay pipe in front of the garden shed or use Venmo or PayPal (PayPal.me/OldMissionFlowers).

            For photographers, the garden is on one of the Peninsula’s highest ridges and there are views of both East and West Bay. Please do not bring dogs into the gardens and leave a donation if using the garden for photography or other art. Professionals should plan to leave $50. Sharing pictures on social media and tagging Old Mission Flowers is appreciated.

Location: 16550 Center Rd., Traverse City. For more information, call 231-499-5474, email [email protected] or visit OldMissionFlowers.com.