Miss Effie’s Flower Farm: An Outdoor Delight

For years I have heard about Miss Effie’s Country Flowers and Garden Stuff. Recently, I finally got the chance to visit for one of the Booze and Blooms events and the place is absolutely delightful. Billed as a You-Pick flower farm, it is that and so much more! Each turn is a new surprise for the senses filled with greenery, lovely color, and country air. They are celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2022.

The curator herself, Cathy, is full of bottled energy. She embraces life with full enthusiasm and welcomes you in a way that feels like you’ve found respite from…well, from things you didn’t know you need a break from. Cathy has a unique way of seeing what people need and making that happen.

I might go so far as to suggest Miss Effie’s is a luxury garden. I say this because so many of the added touches make it more than just a garden shop or You-Pick experience. You will be delighted, refreshed, and amazed by the loveliness of an Iowa flower farm.

The You-Pick Flower experience invites you to wander among the gardens selecting and cutting your own stems. One price gets you a bucket full of flowers - usually 35-40 stems, enough for multiple vases! Flower picking may be what initially brings you to Miss Effie’s but there is so much more to delight your senses.

What will you do when you come?

• Would you like to sit with a beverage and contemplate the world? 
• Would you like to enjoy the seating in the corn gazebo and think of absolutely nothing?
• Would you like to pursue the gardens for just the right blooms to fit your mood?
• Would you like to write for work or pleasure and breathe in the fresh air?
• Would you like to take family pictures - either with a photographer provided or one of your own? 
• Would you like to snuggle some newborn kittens?
• Would you like to pick some flowers for as a gift for a friend?
• Would you like to find a unique gift in the lovely Summer Kitchen shop?
• Would you like to try the most luxurious outdoor bathroom I have ever seen?
• Would you like to take a painting class as you sit among the gardens?
• Would you like to hear the cackel of chickens as you watch a Midwest sunset?
• Would you like to learn how to arrange flowers with a group of friends at Booze & Blooms?
• Would you like to host a party or work outing in the rolling hills of Iowa?
• Would you like to have a picnic lunch as the birds sing around you?
• Would you like to try new flavors of jams, homegrown vegetables or farm fresh eggs? 
• Would you like to swing on the wooden swing hung from a mighty tree?
• Would you like to be amazed by this slice of heaven right here in Donahue, Iowa?

The answer is YES to all of these questions.

Cathy Lafrenz, currator of Miss Effie's, explains, “I want to create a space where people feel at home, where they can relax from the hustle and bustle of life and just be. I want to be welcoming and for the farm itself to invite people to take a deep breath and find themselves again. There is a variety of seating and places to spread out and enjoy the farm. Everything we do is focused on providing an experience that means something to those that visit. I want people to take time to appreciate this lovely world we live in. The farm has a bit of magic and I feel selfish not to share it.”

Miss Effie’s Hours
Wednesday: 4-7 p.m.
Thursday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Follow Miss Effie’s Country Flowers and Garden Store on Facebook for announcements of great events and updates on the available inventory.

Plan a visit and be delighted by Miss Effie’s Country Flowers and Garden Store located at 27387 - 130th Ave in Donahue, IA.

Iowa recently created a U-Pick Flower Farms Passport and Miss Effie's is on there.

Don’t just stop and smell the flowers – pick some to take home with you! With each check-in at a u-pick flower farm between June 1 and August 31, 2022, you’ll be entered into a grand prize drawing from Travel Iowa valued at $200. Visit them all for the ultimate Iowa flower experience and the greatest chance of winning. For more information regarding the U-Pick Flower Farms grand prize giveaway, click HERE.

Written by Meghan Cooley

Meghan Cooley moved to the Quad Cities from St. Charles, IL, as an Augustana College student over 20 years ago. She left briefly after graduation and then returned to work in admissions and then marketing at Augustana College for 18 years. She now works as a consultant for admissions marketing and social media. She also does copy editing and writes for the Quad City Moms Blog. Now a true Quad Cities transplant, Meghan lives in Rock Island with her husband, Luke (R.O.W.V.A. and Augustana grad and Modern Woodmen employee) and four boys. She loves living in the Quad Cities and finds it the perfect place to raise a family, plan a date night, and go on adventures.