Approximately 300 people took advantage Saturday of the first chance this season to visit The Flower Fields in Carlsbad to catch an early glimpse of what will soon become millions of blossoms.

People who attended opening day may have noticed some new features at the longtime Carlsbad landmark.

Among them are the expanded sweet pea maze and the poinsettia display that highlights changes in the flowers over 50 years. In addition, the American Flag of Flowers, made of red, white and blue anemones planted on a 300- by 170-foot hillside, will bloom for the first time in two years.

A picture pavilion with a fountain and benches has been added to make it easier for people to capture “one of the most photographed spots in Carlsbad,” said Fred Clarke, general manager. Ý

While April is considered The Flower Fields’ peak time, Clarke said, there are already acres of blooming ranunculuses for people to enjoy.

Clarke said people travel from across the United States and around the world to see the 50-acre fields.

“It’s surprising the diversity of guests,” said Clarke, who attributed its popularity to “there is really no place in the world that looks like it.”

While the beauty of the flowers may come as no surprise, Clarke said some people don’t expect that the wind-pollinated ranunculuses, instead of being pollinated by bees, have no fragrance.

If people want to smell fragrant flowers, they can visit the miniature rose garden or the maze lined with old-fashioned sweet peas.

Although The Flower Fields are visited frequently for their beauty, the site also can be educational for adults and children.

Clarke said visitors can learn what it takes to maintain the year-round attraction that is owned by the Ecke family.

“It’s one of the few farms in Carlsbad where the public is invited to tour,” he said.

In addition, visitors can learn about gemstones from around the world at the sluice-mining attraction.

Staff member Rhonda Marshall, whose family has worked at The Flower Fields for three generations, said up to 300 people a day go mining for precious stones like amethysts or crystals.

Marshall said the attraction, which demonstrates sluice mining, may remind people “to look at the beauty in the ground you walk on.” ÝÝ

Laurie Shupp of Rancho Penasquitos said she came on opening day to photograph the flowers before they were in full bloom.

“I am really interested in the ranunculuses so I wanted to take progressive pictures of them,” she said.

With a camera in hand, she said her first visit to The Flower Fields was even better than expected.

“It’s absolutely beautiful,” she said.

The Flower Fields, at 5704 Paseo del Norte, will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through May 13. Admission costs $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for children and free for those 2 and under.

Call (760) 431-0352 or visit www.theflowerfields.com.

source : www.nctimes.com