Cleveland Welcomes Fall With Shady Acres Farm’s You-Pick Events
COLUMBIA STATION, OH — Nikkie Brown from Cleveland 13's “Hit the Town with Nikkie Brown” took viewers on a tour of Shady Acres Farm in Columbia Station, showcasing a local gem as the fall season approaches. The farm, which was founded by Aurora Sakaley in 2021, offers a unique hands-on experience for flower lovers. Nikkie spent the day with Aurora, learning more about what makes this cut-flower farm a standout in Northeast Ohio.
During her visit, Nikkie had the chance to walk the fields and pick her own flowers, putting together a custom bouquet from Shady Acres’ vibrant offerings. The farm hosts You-Pick events weekly, allowing visitors to create their own floral arrangements by cutting flowers directly from the fields. These events run through the fall season until the first frost, which brings the flower-picking season to an end.
As Aurora explained, the beauty of the farm only grows as the cooler weather sets in. “Oh, it just gets prettier every day here,” she told Nikkie, reflecting on the farm’s appeal as it transitions from summer into autumn. Visitors are invited not just to admire the flowers but to be part of the process—picking, arranging, and creating their own one-of-a-kind bouquets.
Shady Acres is not just another flower farm; it’s home to Northeast Ohio’s largest dahlia collection, with over 3,000 varieties of these stunning blooms. In 2022, the farm received two blue ribbons from the Dahlia Society of Ohio, further solidifying its place in the local flower community. Beyond the stunning dahlias, Shady Acres stands out for its commitment to sustainability. Aurora and her team have adopted eco-friendly farming practices, such as using beneficial insects like ladybugs to manage pests without relying on harmful chemicals. This sustainable approach not only keeps the flowers healthy but also aligns with the farm’s mission to care for the environment.
The farm’s roadside stand is another favorite among visitors, offering fresh bouquets daily during the summer months. Locals can swing by to pick up a hand-cut arrangement, or they can stay for a while and enjoy the scenic farm experience. Shady Acres also sells wholesale flowers to florists and retailers, providing an opportunity for businesses to stock locally-grown, sustainable flowers.
Community involvement is at the heart of Shady Acres. At the end of each season, volunteers help harvest flowers, which are then donated to around 20 nursing homes in the area. The farm also donates bouquets to local events throughout the year, ensuring that the joy of fresh flowers reaches a wide audience.
Aurora shared that the farm has faced some challenges, particularly with the impact of climate change. Warmer temperatures have shifted first and last frost dates, and more severe storms have become a concern for the farm. However, Shady Acres continues to adapt. Last year, they purchased a no-till drill, which allows them to plant cover crops without using harmful herbicides. This piece of equipment is just one example of the farm’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Looking ahead, Aurora has big plans for the future. Shady Acres will continue to expand its flower fields, and in 2025, they plan to add native meadows to attract more pollinators, along with several beehives. These initiatives will not only boost biodiversity on the farm but also enhance its sustainability practices.
As Nikkie wrapped up her visit, she and Aurora hopped on a golf cart to check out the farm’s roadside stand, where visitors can find fresh bouquets and some fun Shady Acres swag, including shirts that say “Shady AF”—a playful nod to the farm’s name.
For those who want to experience the charm of Shady Acres Farm for themselves, the farm’s You-Pick schedule is posted regularly on their website and social media pages. Whether you're looking to pick your own bouquet, shop at the roadside stand, or simply enjoy a day at the farm, Shady Acres welcomes visitors of all ages to come and explore.
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