By Pa Thao and Tommy Enright
Nestled in the Town of Wheaton, Maiv Flower Farm stands out as a hidden gem in the greater Chippewa Valley. As the only U-pick flower and vegetable farm in the area, it offers a unique and enchanting experience for visitors. With its vibrant fields and welcoming atmosphere, Maiv Flower Farm is not just a place to pick fresh blooms and produce—it’s a celebration of tradition and community.
The farm is run by a mother-daughter duo, Maiv (pronounced “my”) and Pa, spending time with each other through their love of gardening and being outdoors. Maiv dreamed of owning land and a farm since she started farming for market in 1997. Pa, inspired by her mother, also developed a deep love for gardening and for flowers.
“It was inspiring to see my mom continue a practice deeply rooted in Hmong agriculture in the old county of Laos, to see her utilize practices that are unconventional in mainstream agriculture, and see how to adjust and shift what she’s always known in order to fit the climate of the Midwest,” Pa said.
In 2022, their shared dream finally came true with the purchase of a 20-acre plot of land in the Town of Wheaton. Pa said that the gentle rolling hills were reminiscent of the landscape of Laos and ignited in her the Hmong emotional expression of “kho siab,” meaning to miss something or someone, to have your heart yearn and ache for something that is distant or gone—a sense of nostalgia. “As ‘kho siab’ as Maiv Flower Farm is, it is also simply therapeutic,” Pa added.
“My aspiration in owning land to farm on was to be able to share with the community, teach our young people and community where our food comes from, and to share and showcase Hmong traditional farming practices. As I was looking for land and stood on the hills of what is now Maiv Flower Farm, I knew instantly that this was the place.”
Pa joined the Wisconsin Farmers Union when she was interested in attending the National Farmers Union Women’s Conference last year after opening their first season of U-pick and “realizing there was so much to learn in farming and agriculture.”
“Becoming a member and attending the conference allowed me to meet and network with women farmers across the nation. It plugged me into a network of support from fellow woman farmers and technical assistance providers,” she said. “Today, I am a proud coach for the Wisconsin Women in Conservation, a program with the aim of supporting women farmers and landowner in conservation practices.”
Whether you are looking to create a stunning bouquet, enjoy a peaceful outing with loved ones, or simply immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the rolling landscape, Maiv Flower Farm provides an unforgettable experience. They also sell at the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Pictured: Pa Thao (right) picks flowers with friend Xong Xiong
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