One can grow very weary waiting for spring to bloom in Colorado, so imagine my delight when we visited The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California, during peak season. We went to California the end of April to meet up with friends and celebrate my husband Jim’s 75th birthday, but strolling through fields of flowers while there was certainly a highlight.
The 50 acres at Carlsbad Ranch are dedicated to growing 13 colors of Ranunculus flowers (in the buttercup family) both to sell and for the production of bulbs. According to the website, “The fields today are a direct result of nearly 85 years of floral cultivation that began with Luther Gage, an early settler and horticulturist that settled in the area in the early 1920’s. Mr. Gage brought Ranunculus seeds to the area and began growing them in his fields next to Frank Frazee’s small vegetable farm in South Oceanside. In 1933 Frank Frazee also started growing Ranunculus and introduced his son Edwin to the art of seeding, cultivating and irrigating the pretty but not yet popular flower.”
What today’s visitors see from March through mid-May is a legacy of beauty for sure. In addition to the Ranunculus fields, specialty and artistic gardens with a variety of flowers grace the property. A desirable event venue for weddings and other events, the property also includes a pavilion, a demonstration garden, a sweet pea maze, and fun activities for kids on school field trips.
We got to listen in as a performer delighted a group of kindergartners with his catchy song, “Dirt Made My Lunch.” Such a fun way to learn about agriculture!
Of course there’s also an extensive garden center on the property and an irresistible gift shop. I guess hope truly does spring eternal, because I bought a package of Ranunculus bulbs to try in my backyard garden. The master gardener there assured me they would do just fine in Colorado. Mmmhmm.
Whether my bulbs bloom, I’m sure to be California dreamin’ about The Flower Fields for some time. So glad I can say, “Been there. Got the T-shirt!”
Your blog stirred my a memory and it popped up in my mind: a visit to those flowers with my son, Bob and wife Kay, several years ago. Made me smile.
Oh good, Betty! It’s definitely a memorable experience!
THINKING BACK TO OUR 40 ANNIVERSARY, WE WENT TO BUTCHARD GARDENS ON VANCOUVER ISLAND.
IT WAS 56 ACRES OF PURE BEAUTY. YOU CAN GO YEAR AROUND AS THEY CHANGE OUT THE FLOWERS FOR WHAT BLOOMS BEST AT ANY GIVEN TIME. SUCH A TREASURE TO EXPERIENCE.
Cheryl, we’ve been to Bouchard Gardens, too! I remember I cried when we first walked in it was so beautiful. I didn’t quite have that same reaction at The Flower Fields, but almost!
Carlsbad Ranch was not on our schedule (I had never heard of it until now) for any of our California trips and that’s definitely my loss. We have visited Bouchard Gardens–three hours were not enough time. Thanks for the memory!
Glorious! Have not been there but seeing California hillsides clad in colorful spring poppies is an unforgettable sight !
That’s a sight I’d also love to see, Alice!
Thanks, Nancy. I lived in (Northern) California for four years and never heard of these gardens!
You’re welcome, Sue! You’ll have to plan a trip back.