As temperatures warm in the Golden State, flowers are bursting into bloom everywhere across the Southland and the super bloom isn’t far away. Today I’m going to tell you where to find the best blooms and garden events this week in Southern California.
This week, I visited two of the best public Southern California gardens to bring you these gorgeous blooms. I’ve mentioned it a bunch of times on the channel already, but I’m going to say it again - get to Descanso to explore all the tulip and cherry blossoms before they fade away. I also visited the California Botanic Garden for the beautiful native blooms and spotted some poppies, California lilacs and gorgeous Western redbud trees.
Along with the super blooms, I’ll also be talking about different garden events happening this week in Southern California. It is supposed to rain this weekend and that might dampen your poppy fever, but it’s still a great time to see other flowers if you’re not afraid to get wet. You can also check the weather forecast so you can go when it isn’t raining. Poppies will close when its windy, cold or dark, so it might not be the best weekend for those golden blooms.
In terms of blooms, I’m going to say it again, but this is the time to get out to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The wildflowers outside Borrego Springs can be found near DiGiorgio Road, Henderson Canyon Road, Coyote Canyon and Clark Valley and Dry Lake, according to the Theodore Payne Foundation. It looks like an amazing natural phenomenon may take place in the coming days and weeks because of the massive bloom. Swainson’s hawks, also called hawk moths, migrate in droves from South America and Mexico - up to 6,000 miles - to feast on the caterpillars of the sphinx moth. The only problem? All those caterpillars are going to absolutely destroy the flowers, so get out there NOW if you can.
Anza-Borrego can be quite a trek if you’re living near Los Angeles, but you can experience wildflowers a little closer by visiting Placerita Canyon Nature Center, which is located close to Santa Clarita in Los Angeles County. Right now, the Canyon Trail is likely closed due to the high water from all the rain we’ve been receiving, but you can still spot color by the Ecology Trail, with California peony, purple nightshade, popcornflowers, fuchsia flower gooseberry and hoaryleaf ceanothus (California lilac) are currently blooming.
In Orange County, the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach has som California poppies blooming. Gorgeous shades of yellow can be found, with brittle bush, bladder pod and Palmer’s Indian mallow showing off their stuff. The blue of the wild California lilacs and the pinks of the Western redbud, buckwheats and coral bells make a gorgeous palette.
In the Inland Empire, Crafton Hills Preserve near Crafton Hills College is showing signs of spring, with wild California lilacs blooming, miner’s lettuce, rancher’s fiddleneck and golden yarrow making their appearance in the sunny areas. Under the oak trees, look for cliff asters, western blue-eyed grand, wild Canterbury bells, wishbone bush, tufted poppies, red maids, and Southern bush monkey flowers.
Can’t get out to these superblooms? There are still fun garden events that might be closer to home for you. This is the first week Descanso is open until 7 pm for the public, and on Friday, they’ll be hosting a fun event called Cultivate. This weekend, Carlsbad Flowers Fields is going to have a bunch of fun events for the whole family to enjoy, including a kids day, live music and even picnicking among the flowers.
Flower and Garden Events March 22-28
March 22 - Friday
Descanso Gardens: Cultivate: A Living Plant Museum: Friday 4:30- 7 PM
Visit Descanso Gardens during the first week of extended hours by enjoying fascinating tours, workshops, a DJ in the gardens, and live demonstrations on Friday evening. Wander the grounds at your own pace, with new activities around every corner. Free with admission.
March 23 - Saturday
Carlsbad Flower Fields: Kids Day: Saturday 11:30 AM-4:30 PM
A full day of fun featuring BMX performances, giant bubble-making, ballooning, professional yo-yo competitors, face painting and more. Free with admission.
Picnic & Flowers: Saturday and Sunday 11 AM - 1:45 PM
Enjoy a luxury picnic among the backdrop of millions of ranunculus and breathtaking ocean views. $70-$140
Swingergy: Saturday 1 PM to 5 PM: Playing all your favorite Jazz standards in many styles. Gypsy Jazz, Swing Jazz, Traditional Jazz and more. Free with admission.
March 24- Sunday
Carlsbad Flower Fields: The Derringers: Sunday 1-5 PM: San Diego-based band playing good time Blues, Boogie and Early Rock n Roll music. Free with admission.
If you live in Southern California or are traveling here, don’t forget to subscribe and ring the bell to find the best blooms and garden events in Southern California. Subscribe here: www.youtube.com/@CaliforniaGa...