Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen is a nurse practitioner, flower farmer, public speaker, author, remarried widow, mom of two girls, and the owner of Sunny Mary Meadow, a sixth-generation flower farm in St. Joseph. She’s also the host of the Rooted Agritourism Podcast, where she shares honest conversations about rural entrepreneurship, resilience, and finding growth during challenging times.
The Bloom Room is a new event space on her flower farm property. “From intimate gatherings to memorable celebrations, this versatile venue is the premier place to host your small- to mid-sized event in central Minnesota. With customizable options, including full floral design and event planning services, your time here can be as simple or as dressed-up as you envision,” shared Liz. “I want people to have options when it comes to hosting gatherings like Showers, Rehearsal Dinners, Corporate Retreats, Team Building Events, Birthday and Anniversary Celebrations, Memorials or Celebrations of Life, Educational Workshops, Family Reunions, Banquets, Networking Socials… you get it! If you need a great space for a group, The Bloom Room is a great option.”
Booking for The Bloom Room opened in November 2025 and has already had a number of inquiries and bookings. “This space was designed with intention. It’s a small, flexible space for about 80-100 people where connection comes first. We’re hoping it’s booked on weekends for any events you’d decorate with flowers for – showers, celebrations, parties, etc. During the week, it’ll get booked for events like corporate workshops with à la carte options for speakers, food, entertainment, and on-site activities.”
“Building an event space was a natural next step for me. Sunny Mary Meadow, as a business, has grown in tandem with my passion for agritourism in Minnesota. The less distance flowers travel, the longer they last. By hosting events right here on the farm, guests get to experience what I wake up to every morning. This space is the perfect example of agritourism in action in Stearns County. The Bloom Room is about growing connection, community, and creativity from the same soil that’s been farmed here for more than a century. It’s an opportunity to slow down, step away from the hustle, and ground yourself in nature,” explained Liz.
“Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Our à la carte retreat offerings feature local experts, including yoga instructors, cookie decorators, and wellness professionals, who teach workshops and offer experiences during our events. For catering, we partner with local restaurants to keep the menu seasonal and community-focused. We also allow guests to bring their own food (like an old-school potluck) and alcohol for their own events. In our new FARMacy retail area (a store attached to The Bloom Room), we’ll be selling products made right here in Central Minnesota, like jams, jellies, apparel, bread, and, of course, flowers. It’s our way of celebrating local makers and connecting our guests with the incredible talent right in our backyard.”
“The most exciting part of making The Bloom Room a reality has been serving my community and seeing how deeply this land resonates with people. We’re not a wedding venue. We’re more like a modern-day church basement. It’s rewarding to know I’ve built something honoring my late husband that serves others in such a meaningful way. Sharing progress updates and connecting with customers who follow along on social media has been incredible. There’s a real hunger for spaces like this in Central MN, and I’m proud to provide one!”
“Building something new in Stearns County has its challenges. There are a lot of regulations when it comes to land use and construction, but I’ve been fortunate to work with the Stearns County Environmental Services team and their inspectors, who’ve helped me navigate the process thoughtfully. Agritourism is a growing industry, and sometimes it takes extra education and patience to make sure innovation fits within existing frameworks. But the outcome — a farm that brings people together and supports local growth — has been worth every bit of effort.”
“I’m really thankful to be part of the Greater St. Cloud communities; it feels like being part of one big, creative family. I know every local florist and designer, and we truly root for each other’s success and help each other when needed. Even right here in St. Joe, where I’m located, there’s so much collaboration — from my friends at The House, to Mary Bruno of Bruno Press, to Abbey Graves Productions, who will be offering entertainment options like live music and bingo at the farm. Local businesses in the area have a strong presence, and their online energy translates to real-world support. It’s inspiring to see so many local entrepreneurs coming together to create, connect, and lift one another up.”
“The best way to support The Bloom Room is through patronage and word of mouth. Our space is officially open and booking for 2026! We invite you to come experience a day on the farm, surrounded by flowers, creativity, and calm.”
For more information, rates and rental options, and answers to frequently asked questions, visit The Bloom Room website.
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