J & L Pickin' Patch

11/27/2025

Yep, this looks about right 😂.

There are lots of things to be thankful for but I think the biggest one for me is family. I know, I know, being thankful for family is cliche, but in the hustle and bustle it is easy to take the ones closest to us for granted. We never know how much time we have with someone so give thanks EVERY DAY for those you love most. Owning the family farm has helped me with this. It constantly reminds me of the hard work, sacrifices and love they gave or continue to give that allow me to own this beautiful little farm in the heart of Fort Wayne Indiana. Greatful for each and everyone of you as well for the support you have given over the years as the farm has grown! Also greatful that we only have 116 more days until spring so I can get back in the dirt to make the 2026 season even more amazing than the last.

Alright enough philosophical Farmer Josh. Eat all the turkey, take naps, play games, laugh and enjoy the company of family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

11/19/2025

Let me start this post off with a big thank you to everyone that came out and supported our farm this year! It was a tough season starting with wet and colder than normal temps during planting that shifted quickly to record high temps and more drought conditions. Farming is not easy, but your smiling faces and kind words make it worth it. It is always great meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones as each season gets underway. Whether you came out and braved the record heat and humdity to pick a lovely bouquet this summer or purchased pumpkins this fall even though it still felt like the middle of summer, thank you, your support means so much! ❤️

I also feel I owe an apology to all of you as well. If you have missed us in your feed it is b/c after a long season, a hard season I needed a nice long nap! 😄 No in all seriousness, my apologies that I have not been posting updates since closing for the season. Alot had been happening behind the scenes, and I am anxious to bring everyone up to speed as there will be some big changes coming in 2026.

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is "What do you do during the off season?" Believe it or not the busiest times on the farm occur in the off season. While the pace does slow in the height of winter stuff is still happening behind the scenes year round. To that end I thought it only appropriate to create an off season series showcasing the behind the scenes work that goes into making each season opening possible. Need a catchy title like, What in the heck is Farmer Josh doing today, or What broke again that I already fixed twice.😂 Probably will start with pictures and posts a few times a week, but maybe I can get tech savy and get some video footage going too. Let me know in the comments if this is something you would enjoy!

Until then, if you are already missing the colors of summer enjoy this beautiful sunset over the wildflower meadow at the farm.

10/18/2025

We are fully stocked for the weekend, come see us as the season is wrapping up next week. October 26th is our last day😢. Remaining mums are 25% off this week too.

Unfortunately the sunflower maze is still dragging its feet 🌻 Next week will be better if you want to experience a 4.5 acre sunflower maze. Stay tuned for updates on if we open tomorrow or are rained out.

10/15/2025

This looks fun! Someone go for me since we will be open selling the final pumpkins for the season!

Learn about native plants that live here in Indiana and how they help our pollinators. We will also be making seed balls from seeds found in our prairie so you can go home and plant your own pollinator garden.

Free with admission
Meet at Nature Center Basement
For more information:
Email:[email protected]
Call: 449-3778
Sydney Schrock

10/13/2025

Thank you to everyone that came out this weekend and took advantage of our clear the field deal!! It was busy, and we saw so many stunning bouquets leaving. If you got some good pictures here or of your final arrangements at home we would love to see them!

Still 2 more weeks to come see us and get your pumpkins! Our fingers are still crossed for our last sunflower maze to bloom 🌻🌻🌻. Stay tuned for updates. Last day open is Sunday October 26th.

10/12/2025

I think these 2 pictures from here on the farm are a perfect representation of the beginning and end of a flower season! Speaking of, today is the last day (10/12/25) for u-pick flowers. Saturday was quite busy, but I just walked the picking areas and there are still lots of great flowers! 🌸🌻🌺 If you haven't been following along, this weekend only...no admission to the flowers, and we are offering our medium size "the bunch" only. Normally $25 but for this last weekend only $15! Open today 12-5. #

10/10/2025

Well flower fam there is some bad news and some good news. We will start with the bad. Last night we did get frost here at the patch and many flowers lost the battle 😢. This means the upick will close after this weekend 😭. The good news, not all was lost! There are still many flowers and new buds that made it through. Also the wildflower maze and the upcoming sunflower maze made it with no problems!! So how do you still get flowers you may wonder. Come see us Fri 3-6, Sat 11-6, or Sun 12-5 and boy do we have a deal for you. First no admission! Second grab our $25 cup for only $15 and stuff it as full as you can! Both deals for this week only. Fill it with fresh or dried flowers, flowers for seed saving or whatever your heart desires! Come pick us clean so you can enjoy the last flowers of the season. Stay tuned for updates on both mazes as they will remain open for a while longer.

10/09/2025

Tonight is supposed to be even colder so they may get zapped. Hope to have flowers for the weekend but only time will tell. If they make it through tonight this coming weekend will most likely be the end of our u-pick season. Come see us before they are gone Thur and Fri 3-6, Sat 11-6 and Sun 12-5! (To pick please arrive at least 30 min before close)

10/08/2025

Well friends this may be the end. Tonight and tomorrow our night time temps are going to drop low enough to create areas of patchy frost. Most of our flowers will not tolerate even a light frost. We will keep you updated...we hope to still have flower picking available for a couple more weeks but Mother Nature is calling the shots now.

If you have plants outside that you want to continue to enjoy, cover them the next couple evenings just to be safe! Looks like the night time temps go back up after these 2 nights.