Spring is almost here, and March 11 marks the return of the beautiful ranunculus at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad. Starting in March and going through the first part of May, The Flower Fields will attract over 150,000 visitors who come to experience the striking bands of color at this phenomenal event.
The History of The Flower Fields
More than six decades ago, an English horticulturist named Luther Gage and his family moved to Southern California. Prior to his immigration, Gage had taken a special interest in the beautiful Ranunculus flower, and in particular, the giant strain of Ranunculus known as Tecolote. This strong floral appreciation motivated Gage to bring a collection of seeds along on the journey, subsequently resulting in the first Ranunculus flowers to be planted in North America.
Settling in San Diego County, Gage found that the climate was perfect for growing Ranunculus, and planted the first few acres, which became the Gage Tecolote Ranch.
One of Gage's workers, Frank Frazee, become adept at cultivating the fields and decided to start a commercial business of his own growing the Ranunculus flowers. Frazee expanded his operation several times before finally settling on a locale in 1958; the Ponto region of Carlsbad. The newest fields were planted on the hillside, just off the old Route 101, which is now the 5 Freeway. The blooming hillside was given the unofficial name, the “flower fields,” by Carlsbad’s residents, who began to consider it part of the local heritage. The practical name stuck, and became officially called The Flower Fields? in 1993.
New This Year
The Flower Fileds have a lot of fun activities to offer visitors each year. This spring, they have added a few new attractions.
? Sweet Pea Maze, A living maze of fragrant red, white and blue sweet peas. Explore the many walking paths in this patriotic color display.
? Sand Sculpture – A dominant figure worldwide in the art of sculpting sand, Gerry Kirk, brings visual delights of epic proportions to The Flower Fields.
? Poinsettias – A 1,500 square foot greenhouse filled with the world famous Ecke poinsettias. More than 50 years of poinsettia breeding history on display. Learn about the Ecke family, the world’s largest producer of the country’s best selling potted plant – the Poinsettia.
? “Ticky-Boo Tea Parties” – Ticky-Boo is olde English for “Wonderful”. The Flower Fields will begin serving Afternoon Tea commencing March 15. There is a minimum of 20 people per party with a cost of $30 per person. The Tea Party includes: Admission into The Flower Fields, three-course afternoon tea party consisting of tea, assorted tea sandwiches, scones with condiments and a delectable dessert. Advance reservations are required. Please call Stefani of Ticky-Boo Tea at (760) 579-1790 or Joni of The Flower Fields at (760) 930-9123 x118.
? April 8 all day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Flower Fields are having a Bluegrass Festival with music from the Silverado Bluegrass Band.
The Flower Fields are open to the public seven days a week from March 11th, April 1st, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. From April 2nd, May 7th the hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free parking, restroom facilities and handicapped accessibility are provided for guests' convenience. The cost is $5 for children, $8 for adults and $7 for seniors. Group tours are also available at an additional cost.
For more information, please call the information hotline at (760) 431-0352 or visit the web site at www.theflowerfields.com.
The History of The Flower Fields
More than six decades ago, an English horticulturist named Luther Gage and his family moved to Southern California. Prior to his immigration, Gage had taken a special interest in the beautiful Ranunculus flower, and in particular, the giant strain of Ranunculus known as Tecolote. This strong floral appreciation motivated Gage to bring a collection of seeds along on the journey, subsequently resulting in the first Ranunculus flowers to be planted in North America.
Settling in San Diego County, Gage found that the climate was perfect for growing Ranunculus, and planted the first few acres, which became the Gage Tecolote Ranch.
One of Gage's workers, Frank Frazee, become adept at cultivating the fields and decided to start a commercial business of his own growing the Ranunculus flowers. Frazee expanded his operation several times before finally settling on a locale in 1958; the Ponto region of Carlsbad. The newest fields were planted on the hillside, just off the old Route 101, which is now the 5 Freeway. The blooming hillside was given the unofficial name, the “flower fields,” by Carlsbad’s residents, who began to consider it part of the local heritage. The practical name stuck, and became officially called The Flower Fields? in 1993.
New This Year
The Flower Fileds have a lot of fun activities to offer visitors each year. This spring, they have added a few new attractions.
? Sweet Pea Maze, A living maze of fragrant red, white and blue sweet peas. Explore the many walking paths in this patriotic color display.
? Sand Sculpture – A dominant figure worldwide in the art of sculpting sand, Gerry Kirk, brings visual delights of epic proportions to The Flower Fields.
? Poinsettias – A 1,500 square foot greenhouse filled with the world famous Ecke poinsettias. More than 50 years of poinsettia breeding history on display. Learn about the Ecke family, the world’s largest producer of the country’s best selling potted plant – the Poinsettia.
? “Ticky-Boo Tea Parties” – Ticky-Boo is olde English for “Wonderful”. The Flower Fields will begin serving Afternoon Tea commencing March 15. There is a minimum of 20 people per party with a cost of $30 per person. The Tea Party includes: Admission into The Flower Fields, three-course afternoon tea party consisting of tea, assorted tea sandwiches, scones with condiments and a delectable dessert. Advance reservations are required. Please call Stefani of Ticky-Boo Tea at (760) 579-1790 or Joni of The Flower Fields at (760) 930-9123 x118.
? April 8 all day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Flower Fields are having a Bluegrass Festival with music from the Silverado Bluegrass Band.
The Flower Fields are open to the public seven days a week from March 11th, April 1st, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. From April 2nd, May 7th the hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free parking, restroom facilities and handicapped accessibility are provided for guests' convenience. The cost is $5 for children, $8 for adults and $7 for seniors. Group tours are also available at an additional cost.
For more information, please call the information hotline at (760) 431-0352 or visit the web site at www.theflowerfields.com.