Carlsbad Flower Fields Are Abloom With Ranunculus This Year

The Carlsbad Flower Fields are abloom with millions of Giant Tecolote ranunculus flowers again this year. The display, which lasts from March through early May, 9 am to 6 pm. is supported by ticket prices: $18 for adults, $16 for seniors 60+, $8 for children 3 to 10 years old.

Visitors pose among giant Tecolote ranunculus at the Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California, REUTERS/Mike Blake

There have been pressures to develop Carlsbad Ranch for an amusement park, housing or shopping malls, but it is now protected forever.

There is a greenhouse for orchids and a flag made of red, white and blue petunias. Because the ranunculus spread over 50 acres there are tractors available to provide wagon rides to various locations. On April 5, $65 for those over 21 offers samples of five different wines and hors d’oeuvres from five local chefs, all to live music as the sun goes down, setting the bold colors of the flowers on fire.

The photos here are from a salute to spring in photographs, many showing stunning spring blooms from around the world, in the Atlantic online.

REUTERS/Mike Blake