Lisa Browder

As a child, I picked wild blackberries from the fields around my relatives’ properties in Texas. I found great joy in picking those juicy morsels. So when I ran across Southern Hill Farms online, a place where I could pick my own vegetables, fruits and flowers, I had to go. And what a fun day.

When I arrived, the first thing I saw was a bunch of wagons. I recommend getting one. At the time, I couldn’t see that I’d need one, but I ended up juggling a vase filled with my hand-picked zinnias (in water nearly to the brim), my purse, a bag with a t-shirt and a cookbook, a bottle of water, and a rectangular box of peaches. A wagon would’ve made things infinitely easier.

My first stop was the gift shop. As you might expect, it had all kinds of homemade goods – jams, candles, bath salts and more – and an assortment of hats, visors, mugs, t-shirts (yes, I had to add to my collection), and books (yes, I added that, too).

I noticed a nice 2nd floor seating area above the gift shop overlooking the orchard – a nice spot to lunch or sip a cool drink. If you’re there at sundown, there’s a nice firepit area. If all that walking whets your appetite, there’s also a huge, covered space with an assortment of food and drink vendors. I might add that even though the shade was lovely, the huge ceiling fans were even better.

Seeing the expanse of fields, I narrowed my wish list to peaches and zinnias. In case you’re wondering (I did) how to cut the flowers, Southern Hill Farms even supplies the scissors. Although the flowers are $1 each, you can purchase a vase for $14 and put as many in it as you can fit. I had a wonderful time meandering up and down the rows looking for the perfect color palette for my bouquet.

Then I tackled the peaches. I started at the edge of the grove, only to discover that anything reachable without a step ladder had been cleared. A nearby couple saw me on tippy toes, straining to reach a branch laden with ripe peaches. They said if I’d venture in a bit further, I’d find an abundance within easy reach. They were right. I chose seven and called it quits. I’d been told they’d only last 3-4 days so why fill up the box and have them go to waste? Seven was just enough.

I headed for the shade and lunch. I found the taco truck and a vendor selling Southern Hill Farms’ own blueberry lemonade. I can’t deny it was tasty, but I think the cane sugar should probably be listed as the first ingredient. I mean, I love sweet, but it was really sweet. And did that stop me from drinking the whole thing? Nope.

Since Southern Hill Farms has seasonal crops, I hope to return again and stock up on something else equally as tasty.

• 16651 Schofield Rd., Clermont, Florida
• 407-986-5806
• http://www.southernhillfarms.com
• Hours: Closed Monday/Tuesday / Wednesday-Friday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM / Saturday-Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Mostly wheelchair accessible but the uneven zinnia plots might be a challenge, as well as the ground in the orchards.