Crescent Ridge Farm a ‘slice of heaven’

Crescent Ridge Farm sits nestled against the base of Cinderella Mountain on 23 acres of land just outside the town of Alberton. The farm is home to Michael and Molly Davidson, and their daughter Grace, along with gardens chock full of produce and row upon row of vibrant flowers.

Michael calls their property, “A slice of heaven.”

The Davidsons’ land is also a family run farm business offering plentiful opportunities to the public and commercial vendors to enjoy fresh vegetables through their Community Supported Agricultural program, or one of Molly’s favorites their You-Pick Flower Experience.

“Our passion for local flowers began when we decided to grow flowers for our wedding. On the day before our wedding, friends and family gathered in the garden to harvest flowers for our reception table arrangements. Amidst the chaos of wedding planning, selecting flowers with my favorite people was so grounding,” Molly shared. So now Crescent Ridge Farm allows this same touching service to brides and wedding parties in the area. It’s a completely different experience than ordering bouquets from a flower shop.

Molly explained, “We are farmers that supply flowers to florists, restaurants, and retailers. We grow flowers and do not provide design services. Local florists obtain flowers from flower farms so as a local flower source we are complimentary and not competing.”

Michael agreed, “We have been very excited to see the local flower industry wanting local flowers and not buying from out of state or out of country.”

Generally, the blossoms at Crescent Ridge are available mid-July through late September. Flower types vary throughout the season. All together they yield over 40 varieties some favorites include: anemones, eucalyptus, amaranth, cosmos, dahlia, sweet peas, lavender, snapdragon, strawflower, statice, sunflower, zinnias, raspberry greens, and decorative grasses.

For those that choose to come and pick for a wedding or an event, buckets, shears, tables, and chairs are provided, as well as flower food to keep blooms fresh for as long as possible. Another service that Crescent Ridge offers is their popular Flower Share program.

Interested members join in the early spring before the growing season starts, a share payment helps the farm buy seeds and other supplies for the year. In return members reap bountiful, fresh bouquets delivered on a weekly basis.

“We see flowers similar to food, you can obtain food at a farm or at a grocery store who offers local food and out of state produce options or at a restaurant with meals prepared from a chef. In the end, the food or flowers originates from farms and is offered at all distribution options,” noted Molly.

Originally Molly is from South Dakota, and Michael transplanted to Montana from Seattle. He leased and farmed on land in St. Ignatius for 10 years, while Molly attended school for civil engineering. The couple met in 2013, married in 2015 and started their family and farm shortly after.

“We spent over a year seeking a property that could accommodate farming with good soil and water rights. Our goal was to stay within 30 miles of Missoula so I could commute to work while living in a rural setting. We think we hit the jackpot with our location because of the wonderful community and beautiful setting,” said Molly.

With a new marriage and a new farm location, the couple sought to create a farm with a clear vision. Molly shared, “It is our mission to produce naturally grown food and flowers from land that is being managed in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner, so that future generations will have the same opportunities.”

Since the farm was established in 2015 the Davidsons have worked diligently to cultivate not only the land but also relationships with area businesses. One of them being Darlow’s Quality Foods in Superior as a recent collaboration with Crescent Ridge Farm. Molly stated, “We are pleased that Darlow’s choose to source from a local farm than from out of state farms. We will provide farm flower bunches as long as there is interest.”

As the growing season comes to an end soon Molly and Michael prepare for the next phase of farm life. Michael said, “There is very little time between seasons for us. After the typical farm season is over, there’s sperm clean-up to be a done and then we go right into our holiday wreath-making season and workshops. By the time the first of the year comes around we are already planning out the next season ordering seeds and starting trays of flowers and veggies.”

“The non-busy season is surprisingly short,” Molly joked.

Another variable of working on a farm in Montana’s ever-changing climate. Michael shared, “Weather is always our biggest challenge it’s either too hot, too wet, or too cold.”

But when the day is done and the sun sets on the Crescent Ridge Farm once again the Davidsons take pride in what they do. Michael shared, “I feel the best part about owning Crescent Ridge Farm is having the opportunity to provide locally grown food and flowers to our surrounding community.”

In the future the farm will work to grow their healthy produce options and more beautiful flowers, as well as continuing to host on-farm workshops and classes. Visitors are always welcome, to reach out and arrange a tour go the Crescent Ridge Farm’s Facebook page.