Wildflowers inspire poets and songwriters, photographers and artists, nature lovers and preservationists alike. There’s something about their singular beauty assembled in an astonishing carpet of color that stirs the imagination. We attribute characteristics of persistence, determination, and freedom to the flowers that bloom wild — in our gardens or in parks, preserves, and special places where they are given space to flourish.
Many of us enjoy traveling a distance to witness the Earth laugh in flowers, as suggested by the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. And it has long been so. In April 1920, the Morning Press reported: “Mattei’s Tavern at Los Olivos is popular with Santa Barbarans at all seasons of the year, and particularly now, when mountain trout is served there every morning for breakfast. Another attraction is the wealth of wildflowers just now blooming in the neighborhood of the inn, and on the way there. Among those who visited the tavern during the past week were: Dr. and Mrs. G. R. Luton, Mr. and Mrs. Clarke Thomson, Miss Pearl Chase and H. G. Chase.”
Writing for Survey Graphic magazine in 1941, author Katherine Glover began a story about Pearl Chase’s environmental and conservation work by lauding her for her leadership with the California Conservation Council. She described California’s springtime beauty as “The fields are blue with lupin and the hills flung with the gold of poppies; then, too, the desert breaks into blossom. It is the perfect time to rouse conservationists to carry on throughout the year.”
Weather experts and botanical enthusiasts predict Southern California may be about ready for a spectacular springtime wildflower display. Thanks to soaking winter rains followed by mild, sunny days, conditions are right for a superbloom this year — that is, when wildflowers make their presence known in huge numbers.
You likely know the local places where you can expect to see wildflowers in bloom; they include the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Figueroa Mountain, and the Carrizo Plain. A few places that are a little farther away include:
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve: Located in Lancaster, a great place for a day trip to a natural place that becomes magical when the poppies are in bloom.
Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park: Enjoy the combination of Joshua and juniper woodland and wildflowers in bloom at this 560-acre preserve near Lancaster.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: The pink desert verbena carpets the ground here on peak years, joined by creamy white desert lilies and evening primrose.
Tips for Travelers
Use your “Outdoor Good Manners,” as Pearl Chase would say! Always stay on trails, and do not crush, pick, or otherwise disturb the wildflowers.
Schedule your trip during the week, if possible, to avoid the weekend traffic jams when flowers are in full bloom. Note that poppies unfurl in the sun and tend to close up in cloudy weather.
Be sure to check in advance to make sure the flowers are in bloom. A sudden heat wave or very windy weather can seriously affect the fragile flowers.
Cheri Rae is a longtime neighborhood advocate and the author of A String of Pearls: Pearl Chase of Santa Barbara. She is a board member of the Pearl Chase Society, and the longtime editor of the society’s newsletter “The Capital,” where this article first appeared. Email Cheri at pcs@pearchasesociety.org or visit pearlchasesociety.org.
Premier Events
Thu, May 16
7:00 PM
Carpinteria
Open Mic Night
Fri, May 17
12:00 PM
Santa Barbara
A Taste of Africa Cultural Extravaganza at UCSB
Sat, May 18
7:00 PM
Santa Barbara
A Taste of Africa Cultural Extravaganza at UCSB
Thu, May 16
7:30 PM
Santa Barbara
Jazz at the Lobero Presents The Marcus Roberts Trio
Fri, May 17
7:00 PM
Goleta
Viva el Arte Presents Jarabe Mexicano
Tue, May 21
7:00 PM
Santa Barbara
Revisiting the Classics: “Schmigadoon!”
Thu, May 23
7:00 PM
Carpinteria
The Carpinteria High School Muses Present “The Wizard of Oz” Musical
Fri, May 24
11:00 AM
Santa Barbara
Discussion: Misogyny, Racism & Violence at UCSB: The IV Killings 10 Years Later
Fri, May 24
7:00 PM
Santa Barbara
SBHS Annual Spring Dance Concert 2024
Sat, May 25
3:00 PM
Santa Barbara
Canary Hotel Rooftop: Suns Out Buns out with LeFunk Sounds
Sat, May 25
8:00 PM
Carpinteria
Rich Tell Presents: The Thom Rotella Band
Sun, May 26
11:00 AM
93103, Santa Barbara, CA
Memorial Day Weekender PJ Brunch!
Sun, May 26
12:00 PM
Santa Barbara
Market at Pali Wine Co
Thu, May 16 7:00 PM
Carpinteria
Open Mic Night
Fri, May 17 12:00 PM
Santa Barbara
A Taste of Africa Cultural Extravaganza at UCSB
Sat, May 18 7:00 PM
Santa Barbara
A Taste of Africa Cultural Extravaganza at UCSB
Thu, May 16 7:30 PM
Santa Barbara
Jazz at the Lobero Presents The Marcus Roberts Trio
Fri, May 17 7:00 PM
Goleta
Viva el Arte Presents Jarabe Mexicano
Tue, May 21 7:00 PM
Santa Barbara
Revisiting the Classics: “Schmigadoon!”
Thu, May 23 7:00 PM
Carpinteria
The Carpinteria High School Muses Present “The Wizard of Oz” Musical
Fri, May 24 11:00 AM
Santa Barbara
Discussion: Misogyny, Racism & Violence at UCSB: The IV Killings 10 Years Later
Fri, May 24 7:00 PM
Santa Barbara
SBHS Annual Spring Dance Concert 2024
Sat, May 25 3:00 PM
Santa Barbara
Canary Hotel Rooftop: Suns Out Buns out with LeFunk Sounds
Sat, May 25 8:00 PM
Carpinteria
Rich Tell Presents: The Thom Rotella Band
Sun, May 26 11:00 AM
93103, Santa Barbara, CA
Memorial Day Weekender PJ Brunch!
Sun, May 26 12:00 PM
Santa Barbara