Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Every spring, Carlsbad, California, transforms as the rolling hills burst into an array of colorful ranunculus blooms. These lush floral displays draw countless tourists to The Flower Fields.
The Flower Fields: A Lush Haven
Situated along Interstate 5, The Flower Fields is a popular destination, celebrated for its expansive acres of vibrant flowers.
The Appeal of Volunteering
For over a decade, retired educator and volunteer Mary Ellen Courtney has annually returned to The Flower Fields. She finds the experience heaven-like, peaceful, and spiritually comforting. The joy of interacting with both the flowers and the visitors keeps her dedicated.
“It’s a different type of classroom,” Courtney says, highlighting how her volunteering lets her connect with children, a aspect of teaching she cherished. Her voluntary work has even transitioned into a **part-time job**, where she engages with visitors and shares information about the farm’s flora and environment in two-hour shifts.
She emphasizes, “Every day, I have a purpose.”
The Impact on Visitors
On peak days, The Flower Fields can host nearly 10,000 visitors. Moreover, social media has significantly boosted its popularity in recent years.
New York City resident Alanis Mendoza visited after seeing TikToks about the farm. “We don’t really have a lot of fields and greenery in New York City,” Mendoza noted, adding that the vibrant display was mesmerizing.
The Transient Beauty
The estimated 80 million flowers are in full bloom for approximately ten weeks each year. However, their ephemeral beauty is a major draw for devoted visitors like Courtney. She notes the nearly universal happiness of visitors, even as they express sadness at the season’s end.
“When people leave, you don’t have one unhappy person,” she says. “Everyone just sees the joy that’s here.”