The Garden State is in full bloom: 11 flower farms to visit this spring and summer

There's nothing quite like seeing flowers finally bloom in New Jersey.

From bright tulips and sunflowers to calming lavender, there are fresh flower farms across the state. And, whether you're looking to cut your own flowers or just buy some pre-cut arrangements while you enjoy the farm atmosphere, there's experiences available for everyone. Plus, there might even be some barn animals and farm-fresh products available while you're at it.

Here are eleven flower farms to visit in New Jersey this spring and summer:

Holland Ridge Farms, Cream Ridge

With more than eight million tulips across 300 acres of farmland, Holland Ridge Farms in Cream Ridge is a must-visit during the spring and summer seasons. Offering U-Pick flowers — tulips in the spring and sunflowers during the fall — for just $1 per stem on weekends and 50 cents on weekdays, you can create your own custom bouquet of brightly colored flowers. There are also rescue animals, a bakery, a Dutch sailboat display and giant Dutch-style clogs scattered around the farm, so there's several different activities to enjoy during your visit.

For the spring U-Pick spectacular, the farm is only open until Sunday, April 28. So, schedule some time to visit, because otherwise you won't have another opportunity until the fall.

Info: Non-refundable tickets for the U-Pick Tulips Spring Spectacular are required, and are $15 per person on weekdays and $17 per person on weekends. They can be purchased in advance online, and you'll be able to select an arrival time anywhere from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Go: 108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge; info@hollandridgefarms.com, hollandridgefarms.com.

Mad Lavender Farm, Milford

Just as the name suggests, Mad Lavender Farm in Milford is known for its vast 10-acre grounds filled with bushels of seven different lavender varieties. Originally a pick-your-own-raspberry farm, the crop at this family-owned farm was rendered obsolete by the increasing deer population. So, while looking for a deer-resistant crop, they discovered lavender — and the rest is history.

Throughout the season, Mad Lavender Farm hosts goat yoga, where visitors are invited to practice their poses while surrounded by furry Dwarf Nigerian goats. There are also other events and hands-on workshops, as well as some lavender-themed items available for purchase at the farm's shop. And, in mid-June, guests are invited to pick their own lavender at the farm. Mini workshops will be held to instruct visitors on the varieties of lavender, as well as how to care for the lavender bush.

Info: The farm will be open from May to November. You can preorder lavender plants on the farm's website for pickup once they open.

Go: 452 County Road 579, Milford; 908-310-5973, madlavenderfarm.com.

Von Thun Farms, Washington & South Brunswick

The Von Thun Farms' Washington location is home to the New Jersey Sunflower Trail, where you can pick your own sunflowers — $3 per stem or 3 stems for $6 — as you explore the trail. The farm also grows a wide variety of other summer flowers, such as zinnias, marigolds, statice and ageratum. You can purchase a vase or jar from the farm and fill it with as many cut flowers as you can for $5, $10 or $25, depending on the size of the vase or jar.

Von Thun Farms also offers pick-your-own berries and peaches during the season. Plus, the farm brings in rotating food trucks and craft breweries from New Jersey on select weekends, and there is an activity area with games for all ages. There is also pick-your-own fruits at Von Thun Farms' South Brunswick location.

Info: The sunflower trail will open in the summer, and admission is $12 on weekdays and $14 on weekends when purchased online, or $2 more when purchased in person. Currently, the farm is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Go: 438 Route 57, Washington; 908-689-3761, vonthunfarms.com/washington and 505 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction; 732-329-8656, vonthunfarms.com/sb.

Alstede Farms, Chester

Alstede Farms is a farm in the truest sense of the word. With farm animals, pony rides, wagon train rides, weekend live music, and wine and hard cider tasting, there is something for everyone. There are also an abundance of hot food and snack options, including freshly made doughnuts, coffees and homemade ice cream.

But Alstede Farms really stands out in pick-your-own. From mid-July through mid-September, you can create your own bouquet by picking some fresh flowers at the farm, like zinnas and sunflowers. And, they have an extensive list of pick-your-own fruits and vegetable options throughout the season, including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, tomatoes and more.

Info: Alstede Farms is currently open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and their pick-your-own areas will be reopening in the upcoming weeks.

Go: 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester; 908-879-7189, alstedefarms.com.

Dalton Farms, Swedesboro

With 99-acres of farmland, Dalton Farms is a destination for both tulip and sunflower picking. Tulips and daffodils at the farm are currently in full bloom, and you can pick your own until April 22. Admission for these fields are $14 per person when purchased online. And, starting at the end of the summer, Dalton Farms offers pick-your-own sunflowers, and admission is $13 per person when purchased online.

Info: All flowers are $2 per stem or 10 flowers for $10. The farm is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Go: 660 Oak Grove Road, Swedesboro; 856-628-7313, daltonfarms.com.

Happy Day Farm, Manalapan

Happy Day Farm is a popular destination for flowers, especially during the summer months. Here, you can pick your own lavender bundle starting June 8 — $15 admission per person and $8 per bundle — as well as your own sunflowers and zinnias starting July 3. While admission prices are to be determined for sunflower and zinnia picking, sunflowers will be $2.50 per stem and zinnias will be 2 for $1. You can bring your own shears if you have them, but you can also borrow a pair from the farm for a $10 refundable deposit. In addition to the flowers, visitors can also pick their own raspberries, blueberries and blackberries throughout the summer season. Admission is $5 per person and the cost for picked fruit varies by weight.

While you're there, you can also enjoy some fresh-squeezed lemonade and shaved ices. Or, you can feed the goats and chickens on the farm.

Info: Happy Day Farm is cash only, and admission includes a tractor ride as transportation to the fields. The farm will be open starting June 8.

Go: 106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan Township; 732-977-3607, happydayfarmnj.com.

Stokes Farm, Old Tappan

Stokes Farm is one of North Jersey's largest flowers farms, and has been a popular spot for fresh produce and flowers in the area. The farm offers pick-your-own flowers during the summer months, where visitors are invited to choose from a variety of radiant flowers and create their own bouquet to take home. You can also pick farm-fresh strawberries starting in May.

Stokes Farm has different events throughout the year. There is also a bakery and garden center at the farm for guests to purchase fresh baked goods and produce.

Info: The farm is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Pick-your-own strawberries will begin anywhere from mid-May to early June, and flower picking will open in the summer.

Go: 23 Dewolf Road, Old Tappan; 201-768-3931, stokesfarm.com.

Ward's Farm, Mannington

Ward's Farm first opened in 2012, and is known for its field grown flowers like sunflowers, dahlias, gladiolus, cosmos, zinnias and more. As a cut flower farm that spans 11 acres, there is a farm stand during the spring and summer months where visitors can purchase sunflower blooms and assorted mason jar bouquets.

There are also events held at the farm throughout the season, like BYOB date nights and picnic days. You can even book the farm for a private photography session.

Info: The farm is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends.

Go: 120 Bassett Road, Mannington Township; 856-279-0404, wardsfarmnj.com.

Alan's Flower Farm, Allentown

First opened in 1990, Alan's Flower Farm has been a go-to spot for flowers in Monmouth County for more than 30 years. Starting as a 35-acre farm, Alan's Flower Farm has grown to 165 acres, including 125 acres of annual flowers. Their flower selection features perennials, lavender, marigolds, strawflowers, sunflowers and more.

And, if you're looking to learn how to grow your own flowers, Alan's Flower Farms offers one-hour consultations to answer any questions.

Info: The flower fields will be open from May until mid-November.

Go: 131 Ellisdale Road, Allentown; 609-668-1405, alansflowerfarm.com.

Princeton Lavender, Princeton

With five different varieties of lavender, Princeton Lavender is a staple flower farm in New Jersey. In fact, the farm just got in 1,000 gallons of lavender plants — in Big Time Blue, Blue Cushion, Sensational, Dilly Dilly and Hidcote varieties — which can be purchased for $20 per gallon or 6 gallons for $100.. Princeton Lavender also has fresh eggs and lavender-themed goodies for sale.

Guests can also check out the farm's event pavilion or visit the farm's goats and alpacas.

Info: The farm is currently open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and there is a $5 admission fee per person.

Go: 3741 Lawrenceville Road, Princeton; 973-978-8311, princetonlavender.com.

Hidden Spring Lavender Farm, Skillman

With 25 acres dedicated to 15 different types of lavender plants, Hidden Spring Lavender Farm in Skillman is a great spot to visit during the spring and summer. While picking the flowers in the field is not permitted, guests are welcome to watch lavender distilling, feed the farm alpacas, purchase aromatherapy items and more. The farm even sells their own line of calming teddy bears, known as Buena Bears, which are filled with lavender.

Info: There is no fee to visit the farm, but donations are greatly appreciation. The farm is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Go: 890 Belle Mead-Blawenburg Road, Skillman; 609-558-7034, hiddenspringlavender.com.

Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at MMcGay@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: 11 flower farms across NJ to visit this spring and summer