|
NOTE: The Lompoc Flower Fields are not what
they used to be. In fact, there probably not there anymore if you go to see
them. We have kept this web page for archival purposes to remind us on of
the loveliest drives we used to enjoy near California beaches.
Lompoc is famous for its lush Springtime colors and scent
of flowers. The fields of major seed distributors
produce millions of flowers in late May. While we would visit the fields
every year if possible, we've managed to catch flowers in bloom three times.
This year's trip was not planned but was pure luck in timing to have a
free weekend open for the journey. A fellow photographer from Newport Beach,
California began email correspondence with our photographer. He wanted
to take models to Lompoc and do some location shoots. We've never
done that, though the Lompoc Chamber would probably be able to arrange
it for the right price. Guests are asked to not enter the fields and to
do so would be trespassing, so we've always gotten permission from individuals
on location to photograph.
We visited the fields in 2001 and found lots of surprises.
My mother and I stood near one field, disagreeing about which flower was
making the air smell so sweet. We managed to see the workers pulling crops
on the same day people filled Ryan Park for the Flower Festival. Trying
our hand at Spanish, we didn't do too well at having a conversation with
an elderly gentleman from Mexico who watched his son work the fields.
Before leaving town, we saw some goats chomping on grass near one field.
"Valley of Flowers" includes Sweet Peas, Larkspur, Bells
of Ireland, Delphinium and more. The peak season is early June
though August with approximately 1500 acres with varieties of cut flowers
and those grown for seed.
The Flower Festival 2002 will be your next opportunity
to celebrate the joy of flowers but even if you miss the fields,
Lompoc is a wonderful town worth a day or two of exploration. Farmers Market Meets at the corner of Ocean Ave & I Street - Every Friday
Where to see the famous Lompoc flowers... Two
main roads run parallel, east and west. On the north side of the city is
Central Avenue; on the east is Ocean Avenue. The best way to view
the flowers is to proceed west on Ocean to Bailey, then right on
Bailey to Central. Continue going back and forth between Central &
Ocean Avenues as you travel west. Complete your westward movement
at Artesia and return to North H Street on Ocean or Central Avenue. There
also are flowers on Highway 246 and Purisima Road adjacent to La Purisima
Mission.
Flower Field Etiquette includes keeping your vehicle on
paved roads, leaving enough room for other cars to pass and not picking
the flowers or vegetables. Do not walk (or allow your pets to run) in the
fields as it damages the rows.
|
