flowers

Some say spring makes a subtle appearance every year here in sunny southern California. Others go so far as to say that Carlsbad doesn’t even have real changes of season. While it may be true that our temperate climate doesn’t offer a radical weather shift to signal the onset of a new season, we do have one unique reminder of spring that is anything but subtle. Every March, The Flower Fields celebrate the arrival of spring with a bold display of color splashed across the hillsides overlooking the blue Pacific. This bright burst of vibrant hues along with the sweet fragrance of millions of flowers has come to Carlsbad.

This Carlsbad treasure captivates visitors with a 50-acre rainbow of giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that bloom each year from March through early May. The Flower Fields are part of a 53+-acre property called Carlsbad Ranch. As part of the approval of the Carlsbad Ranch project in 1993, the City put in place a condition that required the property owner to preserve the flower fields in perpetuity. And thanks to cooperative efforts between the land’s owner, the grower, the Carlsbad Agricultural Improvement Fund and the California Coastal Conservancy, Carlsbad citizens can rest assured that this blossoming harbinger of spring will continue to welcome visitors for years to come. In fact, preserving this colorful hillside display has been a strong priority for the city since the 1980s. And as Mayor Bud Lewis has said, “We know it will be there forever.”

The ranunculus flower that covers these hillsides is a large and varied genus of plant, popular for its unique blossoms. It is a member of the buttercup family and is native to Asia Minor. The single or double blossoms are cup-shaped and are also known as the Persian buttercup or Ranunculus Asiatic. These flowers found their way to Carlsbad in 1921 when botanist Luther Gage moved here and planted some of the ranunculus seeds he had purchased in England. He then began to develop new strains of anemones, freesias and ranunculi. Today the flower fields are filled with his own brand, Tecolote, the Spanish word for owls named after the owls nesting on his property. The Flower Fields is currently a real working farm and the only commercial ranunculus ranch in the world that is open to the public.

Visitors to The Flower Fields can choose to walk the fields on foot or enjoy an open-air wagon ride pulled by an antique tractor provided by the Vista Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum. Whether hoofing it or riding, this is truly an immersion experience. The brilliant golden yellow, bright orange, soft rose, intense pink, flaming red and pure white ranunculi will surround you.

Making its debut this year against this beautiful backdrop of ranunculi is a one of-a-kind Orchid Show. Fred Clark, who is the originator of the world’s only black orchid appropriately named “After Dark,” coordinates this fabulous addition to the celebration of spring. Over 20 vendors will also be on hand to show and sell an assortment of spectacular orchids. Such varieties as cattleya, cymbidium and phalaenopsis will be available to purchase in bloom, blooming size or as seedlings.

Flower lovers will be glad to know that last year’s sweet pea maze was such a hit that it has returned again at double the size of last year’s show. This is an incredible treat for the senses as visitors make their way through this living maze consisting of thousands of fragrant and colorful old-fashioned sweet pea blossoms.

Also returning after great success last year is the Historic Poinsettia Display. This consists of a 1,500 square foot greenhouse filled with world famous Ecke poinsettias. More than 20 rare and unusual varieties are on display, and visitors can also learn the history of the poinsettia, the world’s best selling potted plant.

Another blast from the past that is back by popular demand this year is the American Flag of Flowers. This is a brilliantly hued American flag strategically planted on a 300 by 170 foot hillside in red, white and blue ranunculus and anemone flowers. This tribute to “Old Glory” is a patriotic symbol of our great nation.

And just in case visitors still haven’t had their fill of this glorious array of flower power, they can also visit the All American Rose Selections (AARS) Garden. This beautiful garden is one of 130 AARS-accredited public rose gardens nationwide that tests and exhibits more than 50 varieties.

Those interested in trying their hand at growing their own gorgeous flowers can also visit the creative theme gardens—a showcase of perennials and annuals beautifully displayed in various thematic gardens that illustrate how color can be used and enjoyed in gardens at home.

Clearly we have been blessed to live in a climate where The Flower Fields can demonstrate the glory of nature each spring in a vivid show of color. But the experience is much more than a stroll through the flowers. It is an immersion of the senses, a horticultural education and an inspirational journey waiting in our very own backyard. •

Refer to Page 97 in the March/April 2007 issue for The Flower Fields Coupons including a Buy One Get One Free Admission.

Open 7 days a week March 3 through May 13, 2007.
For more information or directions, call 760.431.0352 or visit, theflowerfields.com