I pass the sign just outside Langley’s western city limits on Saratoga Road at least ten times a week and have wondered, what is a Chocolate Flower Farm? I finally got the answer.

The farm, Marie Lincoln’s pride and joy, has been an island attraction since she bought the acreage over two decades ago in 2005. A beckoning little path lined with grass and stones meanders from the parking lot, past a large metal rooster, to an enchanting shop. Once a workshop and garage, the building has been lovingly converted into a wonderful destination filled with all sorts of delightful chocolate treats. From candles and jam to seeds, eggs, flowers, candies, and much more, everything in the store is somehow connected to the wonderful world of chocolate.  

And it doesn’t stop there. Lincoln’s adjacent gardens are abundant with cosmos, daisies, and sunflowers, along with dozens of other species. There’s also corn, pumpkins, and cherry tomatoes. The common theme, of course—chocolate. The flora is either chocolate- or purple-colored, with several even smelling like the sweet confection.

While we chatted in her store, several of her non-human farm crew arrived in the neighboring pasture. Katie, Annie, Olive, and Winnie—they’re the Nigerian Dwarf goats—were joined by Rosie, the resident miniature donkey. Minnie, the farm’s miniature horse, was a little tardy during this morning visit. The charming creatures are eager to nuzzle up to visitors, which Lincoln said is a big hit with both the kids and the adults.  

She had always loved gardening and was drawn to the darker-colored plants—the more “chocolate-looking” ones.

When she purchased the property, Lincoln planned to establish a plant nursery and maintain an online store from which to sell seeds. She had always loved gardening and was drawn to the darker-colored plants—the more “chocolate-looking” ones. After setting up a small farm stand to sell her botanical products, she discovered a chocolate-colored candle made by a local artisan that actually smelled like chocolate. She added the candles to her farm stand offerings, and they became an instant hit. Visitors came for the candles—she had purchased the manufacturing process for them by that point—and often left with plants and flowers as well. As visitor traffic became more difficult to manage at the farm, she opened a storefront on First Street in Langley called The Garden Shed. Candle sales were booming, along with sales of chocolate-related gift items, including Lincoln’s chocolate raspberry jam which had become an immediate hit.

While the little store on First Street continued to thrive, her wholesale business grew dramatically. By 2010, Chocolate Flower Farm had become a national story, featured on HGTV and in Martha Stewart Living and Food Network Magazine. The enterprise had grown into a must-see for visitors to Whidbey Island. The Garden Shed was a fixture in town until the COVID-19 global pandemic hit in 2020. With retail sales severely affected, Lincoln moved her operation back to the farm. She missed the hands-on gardening that had taken a back seat to the store and wanted to offer a different experience for the visitors who’d heard so much about Chocolate Flower Farm. 

The former workshop—now a quaint farm store—has an almost mystical quality. “We’re too small to be normal,” Lincoln said, and she means it. The moment visitors open the door, a warm wafting of chocolate greets them, as if it were rising from the barnwood‑studded walls. Neatly arranged are the specialty goods and curated wares that only someone with her hands-on experience, years of dedication, and attention to detail could assemble. Bespoke chocolates in every imaginable shape are displayed at the center kiosk, while hundreds of seed packets line the side wall. There are chocolate candles, of course, and the chocolate raspberry jam remains in great demand. Almost all the farm’s offerings are supplied by local and regional artisans, and Chocolate Flower Farm’s forty resident chickens do their part as well. Fresh eggs are often available, and their shells, chocolate-colored and entirely on brand, are courtesy of Lincoln’s selectively bred hens.

What started as a hobby became a nursery for chocolate flowers. What began as a small idea blossomed into a nationally recognized business and is now considered one of the island’s most beloved places to visit.

After the whirlwind of business activities over the past 20 years, Lincoln wants the farm to go in a different direction. “I want to share this place with people; I want them to bring their grandkids and their friends. They’ll be able to interact with the animals, feed peanuts to the goats, and take selfies with Rosie.” She has plans for picnic tables under the firs and a croquet course sharing the corral area with the animals.

What started as a hobby became a nursery for chocolate flowers. What began as a small idea blossomed into a nationally recognized business and is now considered one of the island’s most beloved places to visit. Lincoln is justly proud of what she’s accomplished to date. Now that she’s back on her farm where it all began, she’s never been happier as she continues to share her vision with visitors to Whidbey Island and with the loyal locals who can’t get enough of her chocolatey calling.