Happy first day of spring! Which flowers are blooming and where to pick them in Tennessee

Spring has arrived and outdoor events are in full bloom in Middle Tennessee and surrounding areas.

Many locally owned farms in the area allow for visitors to enjoy and take home fresh blooms during the warmer months. Many of them are already operating while others plan to open in the coming months. In addition to strolling through the flower fields and creating picturesque bouquets, many farms also allow for photography sessions and picnics on the grounds.

Below are some of the farms you can visit this spring and beyond.

What flowers bloom in spring in Tennessee?

According to the University of Tennessee Knoxville's Institute of Agriculture, the following native Tennessee species begin blooming in March:

• Blue star

• Virginia bluebells

• Little sweet Betsy

• False rue anemone

Other plants that bloom in Tennessee during the spring include:

• Daffodils

• Hyacinths

• Peonies

• Columbine

• Goatsbeard

• Astilbe

• False indigo

• Blackberry lily

• Butterfly bush

• Clematis

• Coreopsis

• Dephinium

• Cheddar pinks

• Fringed bleeding heart

• Wand flower

• Lenten rose

To view the entire list from the UT Knoxville's Institute of Agriculture, visit plantsciences.tennessee.edu.

Where to go flower picking in Middle Tennessee

• By Faith Farm (7721 Whites Creek Pike, Joelton, Tenn. 37080): For $30, visitors can pick their own own blooms to create beautiful, custom bouquets. Included in the ticket price is also a take-home mason jar to house the freshly picked flowers. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own food and enjoy a picnic on the grounds next to the flower garden.

• Lucky Ladd Farms (4374 Rocky Glade Road, Eagleville, Tenn. 37060): Lucky Ladd Farms is the largest pick-your-own tulip farm in Tennessee and the entire Southeastern United States. During the Tennessee Tulip Festival that began March 16, visitors are able to wander through the tulip fields and hand pick their own tulips. All guest ages 2 and older will need to purchase an admission ticket. A ticket grants access to the tulip fields, Lucky Ladd Farms Fun Park and Zoo. Tulips are not included in the admission but can be purchased separately.

• Blooming Acres Farm (576 Furnace Hollow Road, Dickson, Tenn. 37055): Blooming Acres farm opens its doors to visitors during the summer months but contact them for availability during the spring. In addition to flowers, visitors are also able to pick fresh, organic blueberries. Those interested may register to be informed of the dates by signing up for their newsletter.

• Red River Farms (5350 Draper Road, Springfield, Tenn. 37172): Red River Farms is the home to the annual Sunflower Festival. Dates for the 2024 festival are July 12-14, and more info will be made available closer to the dates.

• Fair Winds Lavender (794 Old Hiram Crabtree Road, Jamestown, Tenn. 38556): Fair Winds Lavender is closed during March but plans to re-open in May. During that time, groups of 25 are welcome to visit for their you-pick events.

• Oak Grove Lavender LLC (4060 Buffalo Road, Hohenwald, Tenn. 38462): Oak Grove Lavender's you-pick events will kick off in June with their first Lavender Festival. During the festival, visitors will be able to enjoy local vendors, food, live music, and of course visiting the lavender fields.

• Lone Hickory Farm (1800 Tanyard Road, Lafayette, Tenn. 37083): The greenhouse features a wide variety of spring flowers and shrubs. Call ahead for availability.

• Liberty Grace Farms (1966 Hicks Lane, Columbia, Tenn. 38401): Liberty Grace Farms held its Tulip Festival on March 13. They say the 2024 season is the biggest ever with 100,000 tulips. They are open seven days a week.

• Jo's Flower Co (7160 Hwy 25 E, Cross Plains, Tenn. 37049): Jo's Flower Co offers you-pick events by booked sessions. For those interested, visit josflowerco.com.

• Paradise Falls Farm (7115 Hall Road, Greenbrier, Tenn. 37073): No appointments are needed to visit Paradise Falls Farm. The farm offers tulips and daffodils at $2 per stem, small summer bouquets at $20 and large summer bouquets at $60.

• Apple and Dove Family Farm (175 Peaceful Valley Road, Portland, Tenn. 37148): You-pick events are offered July through September at Apple and Dove. Visitors are guided throughout the process and are oferred tips on flower pairings and arrangement techniques.

• Big Sky Farm (264 N. Centerpoint Road, Portland, Tenn. 37148): Big Sky Farm offers sunflowers, zinnias and cosmos. Dates and hours will soon be announced.

• Heirloom Farms (5795 South Lick Creek Road, Franklin, Tenn. 37064): Visitors are able to pick their own sunflowers at Heirloom Farms. Vases and buckets filled with water are provided to immediately avoid any wilting.

• Cheekwood Estate and Gardens (1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, Tenn. 37205): Cheekwood doesn't permit flower picking, but visitors are still able to take a stroll through the gardens of over 200,000 pastel colored bulbs. The garden is inspired by the beauty and design of France and there is even a model Eiffel Tower.

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Spring arrives: See flowers bloom at these Middle Tennessee farms