Migratory Path of Two Michigan Snowbirds part flowery twenty. {A travelogue about Denise & Gary Flanders winter 2022.}
We drove by this place in Carlsbad and wondered what it was all about. As soon as tickets were available we stood in line to tour the famous ‘Flower Fields.’ We had never seen anything like it.
Lines Written in Early Spring by William Wordsworth
I heard a thousand blended notes, While in a grove I sate reclined, In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts Bring sad thoughts to the mind.
As soon as we walked in the front entrance we were splashed with colors like a Hindu celebration where they throw the brightly colored powders. The state flower of our beloved Colorado always captures our eye. Columbine is a word associated with tragedy for anyone from Littleton. The beauty of a perfect flower brings hope to overwhelm sadness.
To her fair works did nature link The human soul that through me ran; And much it grieved my heart to think What man has made of man.
In 90 seconds we were transformed into little children almost running and excitedly whispering to each other…’over here…look at this one!’
Through primrose tufts, in that sweet bower, The periwinkle trailed its wreaths; And ’tis my faith that every flower Enjoys the air it breathes.
Then you realize we have only walked a few feet and look out there, we have acres to go.
The birds around me hopped and played: Their thoughts I cannot measure, But the least motion which they made, It seemed a thrill of pleasure.
A paid staff does some of the heavy work, but the majority is accomplished by volunteers. Here a Michigan Master Gardner admires the work of San Diego Master Gardners. Over here, a huge tent full of orchids. After the orchid tent you turn the corner and find…acres of the flower The Carlsbad Flower Fields is famous for.
The Flower Fields has over 50 acres of Ranunculus Flowers. The Ranunculus known as The Persian Buttercup, is native to Asia Minor. It is a sun loving plant that produces a magnificent rose like flower with full romantic blooms in 13 varieties of colors and two-toned picotees. The type of ranunculus grown here are called Tecolote Giant.
The budding twigs spread out their fan, To catch the breezy air; And I must think, do all I can, That there was pleasure there.
200,000 ranunculus plants per acre. Each plant yields 10 blooms which is 2 million blossoms per acre. At peak there are 80 million flowers in full bloom. We wandered thru the explosion of color for hours.
If this belief from heaven be sent, If such be Nature’s holy plan, Have I not reason to lament What man has made of man?
On the outer edge of the flower fields were rows of short trees. Wait a minute…those are coffee trees. On the way out there was a raised box of clover. People were gathered kneeling in search of Irish Delicacy. A Chinese tourist walked up and asked, “what are they looking for?” She was completely baffled as I tried to explain, ‘one with four leafs…’What better way to conclude our connection to the spectacular color of the ranunculus than to make a connection with colorful people?
deliriouslove1970. The life & times of Gary and Denise Flanders. (Free and worth every penny. If you would like to compliment the editor, send to garytheflan@deliriouslove1970.com. If you would like to complain, call your mother.) 
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