Submitted by Jennifer Carmichael
(March 15, 2025) — Halfinger Farms in Higganum is thrilled to celebrate its 30th anniversary of growing and selling plants as it reopens for the spring season on April 1, 2025. Guests can explore the farm’s three greenhouses filled with a variety of spring flowers and plants as well as its pick-your-own daffodil farm, Dancing Daffodils. A series of fun, free special events will begin on April 5, 2025 and culminate with a Farm Birthday Party on May 4, 2025 from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m.
“Thirty years ago, we planted the first seeds of what has grown into a vibrant farm that our family and community cherish,” said Jennifer Halfinger, co-owner of Halfinger Farms, along with her husband, John. “As we celebrate this milestone, we’re excited to welcome visitors back for another season of blooms, beauty and tradition. We know it’s spring when we see our first daffodil.”
The farm began with a 1,200-square-foot greenhouse and retail shop on the property where John grew up. Over the years, the couple expanded their offerings, and today, the farm features three greenhouses totaling 15,500 square feet, where they produce and sell a huge range of plants including, herbs, flowering annuals, perennials, combinations, hanging baskets, and patio planters.
In 2017, the Halfingers purchased twelve acres a half mile down the road, knowing they could expand their farm in some exciting way. That expansion became pick your own daffodils, and in 2020, they opened Dancing Daffodils. This farm is one of the few in the country and boasts more than twenty-five varieties of daffodils. A vase boutique on-site offers a selection of reclaimed and rescued vessels on a “pay from your heart” basis.
The May 4, 2025 Farm Party will feature special birthday offers. Guests can explore the greenhouses, tour the farm’s restored 1800’s Connecticut-style barn, and enjoy complimentary cake and lemonade. Local band The Engine Room will perform 90’s music.
Additional family-friendly events throughout the Spring:
April 5, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Rain Date, April 6, 2025)/Artist Reception Featuring Local Artist Mary D’Amico
Who painted that amazing mural at Dancing Daffodils? It’s by local artist Mary D’Amico. Join us at the daffodil farm as we celebrate Mary and her one-of-a-kind daffodil mural. Mary will be offering a selection of her whimsical art pieces for sale during this special event. Complimentary cake and lemonade will be served.
April 6, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon/Bunnies and Blooms
Join us for a delightful morning of hand-gathering beautiful daffodils from the field, and visiting with local rescue bunnies, guinea pigs and chickens from Merryweather Farm in East Haddam. Immerse yourself in the beauty of spring as you pick your own daffodils, visit with the rescue animals, and check out the pop-up farm stand curated by Merryweather Farm.
April 12, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m./Living History Day at the Daffodil Farm
Transport yourself back to the 1800s! Long before it was Dancing Daffodils, the stately farm across from Candlewood Hill was the Bonfoey family’s homestead. Here, Bennauel and Constance Bonfoey built their home and raised their 13 children. During this free event, The Cromwell Historical Society and The Dirty Blue Shirts living historians will transport us back to the turn of the 19th century. The group will offer us a glimpse into what life may have felt like during this exciting time in history.
April 18, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m./Let’s Make Old-Fashioned Greeting Cards
Nothing compares to receiving a special message tucked inside a beautiful greeting card. Be the one who sends that card; make a daffodil inspired greeting card at this free event. Break through the digital age and let someone know that they are special to you. Send them a handwritten note. Enclose a sweet message of goodwill to them on this very special greeting card that they may save for years to come, because it was made by you.
May 3, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m./Vegetable Gardening with Jill Mechachonis: Let’s Get Planting
Jill Mechachonis, owner, Grateful Garden Company, is an experienced vegetable gardener with a passion for teaching and growing healthy food. During this free event, Jill will be on hand to chat in the greenhouse with you about every aspect of veggie gardening, with a special focus on what can be planted in out in early May. Do you want to grow your own food in 2025? This is the perfect chance to start that plan. Complimentary lemonade will be served.
Halfinger Farms and Dancing Daffodils, 489 Candlewood Hill Road, Higganum. 860-345-4609. (Photo above provided by Halfinger Farms. Left to right: Alden Halfinger, Jennifer Halfinger, John Halfinger)
