Get off the freeway, stop and enjoy the colorful gift that nature provides at the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. I remember back when I was a little girl and my family drove south on the 5 freeway to visit relatives in San Diego. I would look out the car window in awe at the rainbow of colors whenever we passed by the flower fields. I thought to myself one day I will stop and visit.
That day arrived this past weekend. After last week’s disappointing non-flight, I decided to do something easy breezy. And what girl doesn’t like to be surrounded by flowers. (Well, I like flowers - hint, hint to any potential suitors). Now that I actually live in San Diego, it’s become one of those things when you live someplace you don’t always enjoy what is offered in your area. That’s partially what I am trying to fix via this 50 Weeks to 50 blog.
My friend Gigi same thing, gone by, but never into the fields. So off we went during a glorious blue sky filled, light breezy winter day in San Diego (it was still officially winter). One of those days where I really wished I drove a convertible. After a short lunch stop at one of my favorite seafood joints, Pelly’s in Carlsbad, we arrived at the Flower Fields. I will say I think it’s a little sad that now the view of the fields are partially covered by the outlet stores, why must we take away from simple pleasures...
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Once in, you are immediately infused with color. We decide to take the old-fashioned tractor pulled wagon ride to the north fields that were in full bloom, and get a full overview of the place. Over 50 acres are dedicated to growing the Tecolote Giant Ranunculus, where the flowers are either cut for sale or their bulbs are later harvested also for sale. I would love to have even a smidgen of color like what I was seeing in my yard. Maybe the UC Garden Club folks can help me out?
What a beautiful ride. Not only did you see a rainbow of flowers, but the clear blues of the Pacific Ocean below and the skies above were picturesque, this is why we live where we do -- and we really must take advantage of our locale. At the wagon stop, we got out to walk amongst the flowers. The pictures do not capture the splendor. Yes, they are planted on purpose, not wildflowers, but what human creativity and nature combined can create - it’s art.
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I wanted to run into the middle of the flower fields and play hide’n’seek like a little girl playing in the park, but guests are kept to certain photo spots and the outer edges. It was bad enough I almost fell backwards onto some flowers while posing for a photo, luckily I fell forwards. Always the klutz that I am. We walked up a short hill to get a better viewpoint. Ahhh, we could have sat there for hours, the calmness of the floral surroundings was mesmerizing.
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