West Akron residents now have a new gathering place for fresh flowers, garden produce and community events thanks to Happy Dragon Flower Farm. Founded by lifelong Akronite Elizabeth Kelly, the micro‑flower farm operates from her West Akron home and a small plot at Bath Hollow Farm, focusing on high‑intensity growing of dahlias, snapdragons, zinnias and native Ohio plants.
From backyard hobby to neighborhood hub
Kelly’s love of gardening began early, but the pandemic of 2020 prompted her to turn a hobby into a small‑scale farm. After watching the gardening series Small Spaces Big Dreams, she started growing food and flowers at home. When she outgrew her backyard, a partnership with Bath Hollow Farm gave her the extra space needed to expand her dahlia production.
Subscriptions, farmstand and upcoming events
Happy Dragon Flower Farm primarily sells its blooms through flower subscriptions and community‑supported agriculture (CSA) shares. Extra stems appear at the farmstand on Royal Avenue (419 Royal Ave.) and at local markets. This season Kelly hopes to sell out all dahlia subscriptions, which will fund a cooler to preserve flowers longer and broaden future offerings.
In addition to flowers, the farmstand offers seasonal produce, sourdough bread and other home‑grown goodies. Kelly recently launched a “Snail Mail” Art and Garden Club, sending members a curated selection of garden‑inspired items each month.
Events that blend nature and fellowship
Happy Dragon has already hosted a yoga‑and‑U‑pick day in partnership with Bath Hollow Farm and One Tree Love, and plans more community activities. On August 26, the farm will team with Constance’s in Akron for a dahlia‑arranging workshop to celebrate the start of the dahlia season. A four‑week dahlia subscription will deliver multicolored bouquets each week in September, and a Fall Dahlia U‑Pick is scheduled for October 8 at Bath Hollow Farm.
Building a legacy of beauty and joy
For Kelly, the farm is more than a business; it is a testament to the idea that small, intentional projects can grow into sources of beauty, joy and community connection. By providing locally grown flowers and a venue for shared experiences, Happy Dragon Flower Farm helps neighbors appreciate the simple pleasures of gardening and the value of supporting local agriculture.
Residents interested in subscriptions, farmstand purchases or upcoming workshops can learn more at HappyDragonFlowerFarm.com.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
