Beloved Bluffton daffodil farm closes the season with an uncertain future

BLUFFTON, S.C. (WTOC) - U Pick Daffodils in Bluffton, one of just a few daffodil farms in South Carolina, has announced its closure for the season — a move that ends a cherished tradition for thousands of visitors who have made the farm a springtime destination for over two decades.

A Difficult but Necessary Decision

For 25 years, Chuck and Diane Merrick have owned and operated the beloved farm, welcoming families year after year to pick flowers, capture photos, and celebrate the arrival of spring.

What began as a family venture on a plot of land that has belonged to the Merricks for generations is now coming to an end.

The decision to close was not made lightly.

“It’s been fun to watch people bring their children, and then their grandchildren come,” Diane said. “It’s been fun.”

However, the physical demands of working the fields and running the business have become increasingly difficult for the couple.

“We kind of wanted to close while we were still able to close gracefully,” Chuck said. “Instead of me being out here in some kind of assisted machine, wheelchair, or something like that.”

The Loss of Connection

Beyond the exhaustion of labor-intensive work, the Merricks faced another challenge: finding additional help.

As their children and grandchildren relocated to pursue careers elsewhere, the family workforce dwindled, making it harder to maintain the operation.

Yet what the owners will miss most isn’t the long hours in the fields—it’s the people.

“Even though you only see them once a year, you get sort of a relationship with them,” Diane said.

What Lies Ahead

The future of U Pick Daffodils remains uncertain.

According to Chuck, much will depend on how the daffodils look next spring and whether one of his children or grandchildren might consider returning to Bluffton to take over the family business.

For now, the farm closes its gates, marking the end of an era for a South Carolina institution that has touched the lives of countless families.