One of the many perks of retirement, is that life slows down. There are no longer frantic days filled with long commutes and endless tasks. Instead, there is a calmness that allows you to enjoy quiet moments and simple pleasures. Whether it’s curling up with a good book or stopping to enjoy the flowers, it’s time well-earned and spent.

I grew up in Carlsbad which is a beautiful city located 30 miles north of San Diego along the coastline. It was the ideal place to be a child; a quiet community filled with agricultural fields, beautiful beaches, and an abundance of wide-open spaces. While the city has evolved with time and growth, there are still a few treasures that have remained the same. One of these is the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch.

Every year in March, the fields explode with a magnificent rainbow of hues. Fifty acres are filled with Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers which bloom for 6-8 weeks. It’s the perfect way to announce the arrival of spring. There are 13 different colors and the growers coordinate them for maximum viewing impact. 

Cultivation of the flowers began in 1920 when settler, Luther Gage, first introduced the seeds. Since then, the Frazee family has worked diligently perfecting the art of cultivation. They purchased the current site in 1965 where they have been growing since. And in a time when agricultural land is slowly disappearing, it does wonders for the soul to see the fields preserved, thriving and valued.

But, here’s the thing. I’ve never visited this magical place despite being a lifelong local.  Utter those words aloud and people will find it difficult to believe.  Life was just too busy and there was simply no time for floral appreciation.  While I admired the beauty from a distance and had an emotional connection to a place that symbolized home, exploring the fields wasn’t a priority-until now.

This year, I penciled it on my calendar and bought tickets (yes, they now sell tickets). My husband and I spent the afternoon walking through the fields, taking numerous photos, and learning more about the history of my home town. There are exhibits and gardens to enjoy, tractor rides, educational programs, and a garden center for inspiration. If you are ever in the area, I recommend a visit.

It’s important to stop and embrace the things that were once sacrificed by a busy schedule. Take a long walk, visit with friends, learn something new, and most of all, don’t forget to smell the flowers.