(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Dianne Reitan has transformed her passion for gardening into a thriving dahlia farm in Colorado Springs, located on the property of the Western Museum of Mining and Industry.
Dianne’s Dahlias specializes in growing what is often considered the “diva of the garden,” or dahlias, due to their specific growing requirements. Despite the challenges posed by the arid climate of Colorado Springs, Reitan has successfully cultivated these vibrant blooms and now shares her expertise through classes and tours.
“I wanted to leave my desk job and the corporate world,” Reitan explained. “I already had a love for gardening and dahlias, and decided to start a farm!”
Reitan offers a variety of educational opportunities for those interested in dahlias. “One of my passions is teaching others how to grow this special flower,” she said. Classes are available in the spring and fall, focusing on planting and digging techniques.
For those interested in purchasing flowers, Dianne’s Dahlias provides several options. Flowers are sold at local farmers’ markets, and a subscription service is available for personalized bouquets.
“We have a farmers’ market on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. right next to the farm,” she noted. “We also sell at the Woodland Park Farmers Market on Friday, and the Castle Rock Farmers Market on Saturday.”
The farm also offers wholesale dahlias and the opportunity for DIY wedding and event flower selection.
“We know people are getting more creative with their budgets and are designing their own flowers,” Reitan said. “So if you want buckets of blooms to take and make bouquets out of, you can set up a time with us to come to the farm and select the flowers you’d like!”
Visitors can also enjoy summer farm tours on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Western Museum of Mining and Industry, located at 225 North Gate Boulevard. “This is an opportunity for people to come out, peruse our gorgeous hoop houses filled with blooms, and have a complimentary cup of coffee and a donut while they’re at it,” she said.
The price for the summer farm tours is $35, which also includes a bouquet to take home. According to Reitan, families are welcome, and each additional family member is only $5.
The next tour is set for Saturday, Aug. 23, which also happens to be ‘Farming and Ranching Day’ at the museum. To participate in the tours, visitors can sign up through the farm’s website or register at the door. “You get a $5 discount if you sign up ahead of time!” Reitan added.
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