Potluck Field Day: Conservation at an Urban Flower Farm!

Join us for a day in a floral oasis in the city! Aromatic Acres is an urban specialty cut flower farm just outside Milwaukee, founded by Carly and Joseph Ledger. For over 10 years, they’ve been growing premium seasonal flowers and helping people reconnect with beauty, creativity, and the joy of the seasons through fresh specialty cut flowers, hands-on floral workshops, and beginner-friendly bouquet garden plant collections.

Urban agriculture is finally beginning to receive broader recognition as legitimate farming at the national level, but significant challenges remain. Many of the systems, infrastructure, and support programs designed for conventional agriculture do not translate easily to small-scale, specialty crop farms operating in urban environments. As a result, urban growers are often overlooked, underrepresented, and left to navigate unique challenges largely on their own. Learn from Aromatic Acres has first hand experiences navigating land access, NRCS programs and advocating for farm production in niche spaces and markets.

Rooted in the belief that flowers can transform everyday life, Aromatic Acres combines thoughtful growing practices, artistic design, and education to make flowers more accessible and meaningful for both gardeners and flower lovers alike.

As they enter their next chapter, Carly and Joseph are expanding into education for emerging flower farmers, sharing practical strategies for building profitable small-scale flower farms through efficient production systems, marketing, and business education.

About Wisconsin Women in Conservation

WiWiC is a state-wide collaborative effort led by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in partnership with state and federal conservation agencies, local organizations, and other farm advocacy groups. WiWiC brings together Wisconsin's women landowners, farmers, farm workers, urban growers, and conservation professionals to connect and share about conservation practices, resources, and funding opportunities. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

About Michael Fields Agricultural Institute

MFAI is a non-profit organization that has been cultivating resiliency through research, education, and policy work since 1984. With a broad coalition of public and private partners, The Institute supports farmers, food systems and communities in the Upper Midwest and beyond through a range of programs and initiatives. We believe agriculture can sustain both human and ecosystem health, while advancing food security, independence, and justice. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news and events.