Here in Carlsbad, every season has traits that distinguish it from the others. They may be subtle, but a local can identify the seasons by the prevailing winds, the plants in bloom and color of the ocean. Summer is bustling everywhere you look—the beach, the area attractions and jacaranda trees are in full bloom. Fall ushers in the cool evenings along with warm Santa Ana days. Ambers and sycamores shed their leaves, while the ocean maintains a deep blue that lets you know winter is on the way. Occasionally, we might even see a bit of rain. Then, the unmistakable sign of spring begins to bloom in Carlsbad. It is not just the warmer air, south swells or vivid purple bloom of the ice plant along the freeways…there is something much more obvious.

There is a burst of life so colorful, rich and large that it is impossible to miss as you drive on I-5 or shop at the Carlsbad Premium Outlets. One of Carlsbad’s true gems sits in its springtime glory on the hillside of Carlsbad Ranch: The Flower Fields.

Every year, this season begins March 1 and The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch come alive for 10 colorful weeks. There are over 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus planted on the Ranch, turning the ocean-view hillside into a giant rainbow of flora. Although the rainbow of ranunculus flowers is always a sight to behold—a walk through the rows of color and flowers is cleansing for the soul and uplifting to the spirit. This year, The Flower Fields will enhance the entire experience with new, charming and unique attractions suited to visitors of all ages.

With over 150,000 visitors strolling the grounds annually, the staff at The Flower Fields is ecstatic to unveil these new attractions. For children, it includes Santa’s Play Area, a collection of charming playhouses and giant mushrooms, once part of Santa’s Village in Lake Arrowhead, California. “We have the Guard Shack, Doll House and Crooked Treehouse,” says Fred Clarke, general manager of The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. “We also have many of the huge colorful mushrooms. Each one has a different personality and its own name.” Children can also benefit from an educational experience with their classmates. Peter Bretschger, spokesman for The Flower Fields said, “We have a wonderful variety of programs specifically designed for school tours.”

For flower lovers of all ages, The Flower Fields are a horticulturist’s dream with two new areas dedicated to showing future generations of plant life. The Poinsettia greenhouse will display the plants that are currently available at market as well as some that can be found nowhere but The Flower Fields. “This is designed to be a greenhouse and a historical display where visitors can see everything from the first commercially available poinsettias to current mainstream varieties and more,” Clarke says. “There is even a sneak peek of new varieties and colors that are not yet available—you won’t see them anywhere but here.” The second is a test garden where visitors can see future generations and colors of ranunculus before they are released.

Besides enjoying the plethora of blossoms, visitors can now get their groove on in The Flower Fields new outdoor concert area. The greens will host a variety of artists throughout the season including a Blue Grass Festival scheduled for April 12 and 13. The weekend will be full of activity including festive music both afternoons and arts and crafts galore.

Even with the expanded offerings, The Flower Fields favorites will still be up and running. For those who love the spring and the bloom of delicate and fragrant sweet peas it brings, The Flower Fields Sweet Pea Maze is back. Walls of sumptuous and aromatic sweet peas give visitors a lovely walk through a living labyrinth. The antique tractor and wagon ride will pull many through the rows of Tecolotes and the LEGO Flower Garden, which features flowers made of LEGOs, will delight visitors of all ages.

After a day on the Ranch, visitors can head over to the photo pavilion, which is home to a peaceful fountain set against the brilliant rows of ranunculus…another perfect place for photo opportunities.

The Flower Fields truly are one of the unique and amazing landmarks that make Carlsbad so special. And the community wants to keep it that way. Spokesman Bretschger described, “We have over 200 volunteers from the Carlsbad area who serve as docents and tour guides. These volunteers have been here for years helping us out.” He continued, “The Flower Fields are a marvelous, open air, public space for the conceivable future of this community.”

To experience spring to its fullest, immerse yourself in The Flower Fields and all they have to offer. •

The Flower Fields are open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning March 1st and running through May 11th.
Ticket prices are $9.00 for adults, $8.00 for seniors 60+, $5.00 for children 3-10, and free for children under 2.
Season passes are available as well. For more information visit www.theflowerfields.com or call (760) 431-0352.