The Flower Fields Are Open For Business

by Jonathan A. Ward

The day before I married my lovely wife Lily in April 1990, I took my parents to The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. My mom commented, “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful!” This was from a lady brought up in the beautifully scenic Hudson River Valley and who had toured throughout America, Europe, and Asia. Today I drove west on Palomar Airport Road for a reminder of that beauty. At Customer Service I could only see a patch of green on the hillside, so I was hesitant to pay the $25 entrance fee in case the flowers weren’t in bloom (most ticket sales are handled online at theflowerfields.com).

I took a chance, bought a ticket, and was rewarded by the northward fields being abloom with a full rainbow of color. I had seen only a green patch at the entrance because different fields are planted to bloom at staggered times, thus the attraction lasts from March through May. The bands of different colored ranunculus flowers create a dazzling display which I’ve run out of adjectives to describe. One really needs to experience the spectacle firsthand. I could say, “The Flower Fields are wonderful,” or I could say, “The Flower Fields leave one full of wonder.”

One thing I wondered is: “How did such a lovely place come to exist?” Well, the story starts in the 1920’s when horticulturist Luther Gage introduced the colorful ranunculus flower to Southern California. Around 1975, grower Edwin Frazee moved his ranunculus-growing business to the hills of coastal Carlsbad — land he leased from the Ecke family, famous for their poinsettia business. In the 1980’s when the fields were considered unprofitable by the grower, the Ecke family intervened and became stewards of the 55-acre property. Today, the commercial business is run by Mellano and Company. In addition to maintaining The Flower Fields as a public attraction, they also grow flowers and bulbs for sale.

Another wonder: “What else is there to do besides admire ranunculus at The Flower Fields?” For starters, it’s fun to take a tractor-driven wagon ride around the property. In addition, the fields host a variety of fitness classes, wine tastings at sunset, flower arranging workshops, and music concerts. One can also sluice mine for gemstones or get lost in the sweet pea maze. There’s a playground, orchid greenhouse, exotic bird aviary, poinsettia display, a “sea of sunflowers,” and a huge American flag made of flowers. There is a live butterfly encounter and a glass butterfly art exhibit. Each week features a different rotating “pop-up” market, offering produce, gifts, and knickknacks. It’s a popular venue for weddings, graduations, and corporate and private events. Many food choices are available — from ice cream to coffee to tacos to pizza (need I say more?). The Flower Fields’ activity calendar can be found at https://www.theflowerfields.com/activities/

Sometimes we shouldn’t be satisfied just sitting on the couch watching The Wizard of Oz. Awaken that dozing adventurer in you and head west — you’ll find yourself surrounded by an amazing living rainbow of colorful flowers. Does life get any better than that!?