Elkton Emerges as a Hub for Flower Farming in North Florida

As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” and just a short drive from downtown St. Augustine, the rural farming town of Elkton is showing off its colors. Long known for its fertile fields of potatoes, green beans, and other vegetables, Elkton is now emerging as a hub for small-batch cut flower farms, growing blooms perfectly suited to Northeast Florida’s unique climate and soil.

Bee Hill Farm is a name you may already know for their honey, they have more than 100 beehives scattered throughout St. Johns County after all. But beyond the bees, owners Katie and Joey Versaggi are cultivating a diverse selection of flower varieties that thrive from October through late May. Expect to find everything from classic heirloom varieties to textural, statement-making stems perfect for personal arrangements or market bouquets. Their flowers can be found at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market during the growing season.

A few dirt roads away, you’ll find Parker Flower Farms, part of a family-run agricultural operation that has been stewarding Elkton’s soil since the 1930s. Originally dedicated to potatoes — with crops still grown today for Frito-Lay — the Parker family has diversified to include sunflowers and wildflowers, which thrive thanks to the same sandy, mineral-rich soil that benefits their root vegetables. Ty and Andrea Parker, with help from Ty’s father Scott, have transformed five acres into a sunflower-lover’s dream, featuring fields awash in golden yellows, soft whites, and delicate pinks. Surrounding the sunflowers, is a tapestry of hardy wildflowers like cosmos, zinnias, and cornflowers. The farm hosts seasonal U-Pick events and other community-centered activities like yoga, painting classes, and family days, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the beauty of local blooms up close.

Within the same fields, Shelby Brim at Elkton Flower Farms is quietly making its mark as a new voice in Elkton’s flower-farming community. Her small but mighty farm offers a range of seasonal blooms from spring through late fall. Visitors can enjoy fresh-picked blooms at pop-up events or build their own arrangements at Shelby’s flower bars, which celebrate the beauty and bounty of each harvest.

Rounding out this blooming scene is Shady Springs Garden, a boutique, organic flower farm established by first-generation grower Jessi Sawl. Specializing in naturalistic and garden-style blooms, Jessi grows a thoughtful variety of fragrant herbs, airy filler flowers, and vibrant seasonal showstoppers. Known for her hands-on approach and attention to natural growing practices, Jessi provides fresh bouquets, floral subscriptions, and workshops, all while nurturing soil health and biodiversity on the farm. The result is flowers that are not only beautiful, but grown sustainably in harmony with the environment.

Whether you’re picking stems for your kitchen table, snapping photos among the sunflowers, or simply soaking in the beauty of Elkton’s countryside, this spring, take the scenic route. Breathe in the fresh floral air, and let Elkton’s fields of glory remind you of the simple joys that blossom right here in Northeast Florida.