Why Parker Flower Farms is the Best Location For Spring Mini Sessions Near Jacksonville

One of my favorite locations for family photos in the Jacksonville, Florida area is Parker Flower Farms in Elkton. As a photographer based in Jacksonville Beach, this farm is so spectacular that it’s well worth the hour-ish drive from the Beaches area to offer families a stunning and unique backdrop for portraits. For a limited time each spring and fall, this working farm transforms into a stunning setting filled with sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, and wildflowers stretching across wide-open fields.

Since I discovered the farm only recently, I’ve been so excited to not only photograph more families there, but to also take my own family to one of the many cool events they host… think movie nights, dinner pop-ups, wildflower crafting, and paint-and-sips, etc. To learn more about upcoming events at the farm, visit their site here:

An Interview With the Owner All About What Makes This Farm so Special

One of the most rewarding parts of being a small business owner is highlighting other small businesses that pour their heart into the community, and Parker Flower Farms is exactly that. I was so happy to have the opportunity to chat with Andrea Parker, who co-owns the farm with her father-in-law. I loved learning the story of the farm’s beginnings and more about the lady who created this magical place. What has become one of Northeast Florida’s most beloved community hubs and photo destinations actually started as a quiet vision and creative outlet, one deeply rooted in generations of agriculture in St. Johns County.

For our full conversation, read on!

Meet Andrea Parker

Q: Did you always imagine yourself running a flower farm?

A: Not at all. I practiced law for nearly a decade before moving back to Hastings with my husband and kids. The flower farm didn’t begin as a grand plan — it started as a creative outlet during a busy season of life. Everything felt fast and chaotic, and the farm brought me a deep sense of peace.

Looking back, I think the vision began forming in 2016 — I just didn’t fully recognize it at the time. My husband and I were married at the farm that October. Sunflowers had been planted here for years as a cover crop, and I always loved the way they transformed the fields.

For our wedding, my in-laws turned the working farm into a flower-filled dream. It was one of my favorite days of my life — but what stayed with me was how much the flowers and the beauty of the land resonated with our guests too.

Years later, in 2024, I found myself wanting to recreate that feeling — not just for our family, but for our community. That’s when Parker Flower Farms truly began to take shape. The flowers are the beginning of the story — but what we’re really growing is a place where people can slow down, breathe deeply, and remember how beautiful simple things can be.

Q: What inspired you to start Parker Flower Farms?

A: Parker Flower Farms was inspired by a desire to share the beauty of the agricultural side of St. Johns County and celebrate the generations of farming that have shaped this land.

The larger Parker Farms has grown potatoes and beans here for generations, and my father-in-law, Scott — who co-founded Parker Flower Farms with me — continues that farming legacy every day. Opening the flower fields felt like a natural extension of that story.

The flowers became a bridge — inviting the community onto a working farm in a way that feels welcoming and accessible.

Q: What has been the most rewarding part of owning a flower farm?

A: Honestly, the most rewarding part has been watching people experience the farm in their own way.

Seeing kids run through the fields, families celebrating life’s special moments, and groups of friends picnicking in the flowers — it’s incredibly special.

One of my favorite things to hear is, “I didn’t even know this was here.” A lot of people don’t realize there’s such a strong agricultural side to St. Johns County, and being able to open the gates and invite them into it feels really meaningful.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge?

A: Farming always comes with uncertainty. The weather shifts, crops don’t always follow a perfect timeline, and so much of it is simply out of your hands.

Adding agritourism means balancing bloom schedules with event planning, guest experience, and all the logistics that come with welcoming people onto a working farm.

There’s also the weight of honoring a long-standing farming legacy while trying to build something new alongside it. We talk often about how to grow in a way that feels thoughtful — for the land, our family, and the community.

Q: How far in advance do you begin planning for the spring season?

A: Spring really starts long before anything is blooming. We’re usually thinking about it in late fall — looking at seed varieties, mapping out the fields, and ordering what we’ll need for the next season. By winter, we’re watching the weather closely and starting to prepare the beds.

Farming teaches you to think a season ahead. What people see in April and May actually began months earlier.

Q: What goes into preparing the fields for spring bloom?

A: Scott is the farmer — he’s been working this land his whole life — so he handles preparing and planting the fields. There’s a lot that goes into it, from getting the soil ready to making sure the timing is right.

On my end, I’m thinking about the guest experience — how the fields will look and feel, how people will wander through them, and how the blooms will change as the season unfolds.

By the time guests walk into the flowers in the spring, there’s already been months of quiet work happening behind the scenes.

Q: Which flowers do you plant, and do you have a favorite?

A: We focus primarily on sunflowers and seasonal wildflowers. Since we’re still a relatively new flower farm, we’ve been experimenting each season — trying different wildflower mixes to see what thrives and what feels most beautiful in the fields.

Lately, I’ve been playing with more coordinated color blocks. This spring, we’re planning an all-pink section and an all-white section inspired by Mother’s Day colors. Of course, we’ll still have traditional mixed fields as well — blending zinnias, cosmos, and other varieties that do well in Northeast Florida’s climate.

As for my favorite, sunflowers will always be special to me because of our wedding. They feel tied to some of my most meaningful memories on this land.

Q: When is peak bloom season in Elkton?

A: Our farm opens in both spring and fall.

In the spring, peak bloom typically runs from late April through May. In the fall, blooms generally peak in October and November. Of course, farming depends on weather — every season is a little different.

Q: What’s your favorite spot on the farm?

A: Golden hour under the big mossy oak tree.

From there, you can see both the sunflowers and the wildflowers, and everything feels soft in that late afternoon light. There’s something about that moment that feels almost magical.

I honestly can’t think of a more peaceful place to be.

Q: Did you know it would become such a popular location for family photography?

A: We hoped people would enjoy it, but we didn’t anticipate just how many photographers would want to shoot here.

We’ve hosted baby announcements, newborn sessions, puppy shoots, senior photos, engagements, wedding portraits, and family sessions in the fields. It’s been incredibly special watching families choose the farm as the backdrop for such meaningful moments.

Seeing families travel from nearby communities like Jacksonville and St. Augustine — and even from other parts of the state — has been amazing.

Q: What do you hope families feel when they visit?

A: I hope they feel welcome. I hope they slow down and truly enjoy the day.

If they leave feeling a little more connected — to the land, to agriculture, or just to each other — then we’ve done our job.

Q. Coffee at sunrise or wine at sunset?

A. Wine at sunset.

Sitting under the big mossy oak tree with a glass of wine, watching the sun drop behind the flowers — that’s hard to beat.

Q: Do families travel from outside the area to visit?

A: Yes — we see families from Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and all across St. Johns County, as well as Duval, Clay, Putnam, and Flagler counties. We’ve also welcomed visitors from Gainesville, Orlando, and even out of state.

One of my favorite stories was a family who drove all the way from Miami to celebrate a birthday because the mom had always wanted to run through acres of sunflowers.

Moments like that are incredibly special. It’s always fun hearing how someone discovered the farm and what brought them here.

Ready to book a full session at Parker Flower Farms?

Prefer a mini session?

Want to learn more about working with me?

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FAQ

Where is Parker Flower Farms located?

Parker Flower Farms is located in Elkton, Florida, about 45–60 minutes south of Jacksonville, and 25 minutes south-west of St. Augustine.

When is the best time for flower farm photos near Jacksonville?

Peak blooms are late April–May (spring) and October–November (fall). The farm is closed during the winter and summer months.

What to wear for flower farm mini sessions?

Since the backdrop at the farm is already visually interesting and busy with flowers, solids or larger prints work best to draw attention to the subject (your family). I always recommend earthy, muted colors that complement the surroundings. I would be happy to provide outfit recommendations prior to your session.

What’s the difference between full and mini sessions?

They are completely different. Full sessions typically last an hour, which allows way more time to capture posed and candid images of your family. Having more time allows us to explore more locations on the farm, and you will end up with a much larger and more varied gallery.

Mini Sessions only last ten minutes, which means we will likely have time to photograph your family at one location/flower field on the farm, and we will run through a series of poses quickly. These sessions are better for families that don’t have a lot of time and don’t mind a smaller gallery of final images.

Is Parker Flower Farms kid-friendly?

YES! There are so many interactive elements for kids to explore at this farm while photos are being taken. The swings placed throughout the flower fields and open space allow children to move naturally, creating relaxed, authentic portraits. I encourage families to make an evening of their session. Bring a picnic blanket and hang out after your session is over. Parker Flower Farms is rad, your kids will love it!

How much do flower farm session cost?

Please visit my website for current rates. There is a location fee that applies to full sessions at Parker Flower Farms that varies depending on time of day, day of the week, etc.

Corinna Black Photography
Jacksonville Beach, FL
Phone: 503-507-3183
Website: https://corinnablack.com