More than six decades ago, an English horticulturist named Luther Gage and his family moved to Southern California. Prior to his immigration, Gage had taken a special interest in the beautiful Ranunculus flower, and in particular, the giant strain of Ranunculus known as Tecolote. This strong floral appreciation motivated Gage to bring a collection of seeds along on the journey, subsequently resulting in the first Ranunculus flowers to be planted in North America. Settling in San Diego County, Gage found that the climate was perfect for growing Ranunculus, and planted the first few acres, which became the Gage Tecolote Ranch. He was soon employing several of the locals to work on the ranch. One of the workers, Frank Frazee, would often be joined by his two sons, Earl and Edwin, in the afternoon following school. They would help their father water the flower beds and grow the Ranunculus for Gage. Having become adept at cultivating the fields after a short while, the Frazee family decided to start a commercial business of their own, and began growing their own Ranunculus flowers. At this time, the Frazee family was the only commercial Ranunculus grower in the United States. In 1933 at age 16, Edwin quit school to work full-time at his family's developing three-acre Ranunculus farm. The dedication and hard work paid off. The success of their business led to steady expansion of the farm, which eventually encompassed more than 1,000 acres in the Agua Hedionda area of north San Diego County. In 1938, the Frazees moved the popular Ranunculus fields to the Santa Margarita Ranch in Stuart Mesa to accommodate the growing demand for the flowers. The ranch property was leased from the U.S. government, and with the outset of World War II in 1942, much of the land surrounding the fields was used to develop Camp Pendelton Marine base. Despite its close proximity to military operations, the Santa Margarita Ranch would continue to operate in peaceful co-existence with its neighbors for the next 45 years. In fact, it was during this time that the Ranunculus' popularity continued to grow. As more cars began to pass by the blooming fields each Spring, more and more people were treated to the blooming rainbow of colors that decorated the hillside. Increasingly they began to stop their cars and get out to see the flowers up-close. As agricultural advances were made and irrigation allowed for water to be piped into Southern California for the first time, the Frazees expanded their operations again in 1958. This time it was south to the Ponto region of Carlsbad. The newest fields were planted on the hillside, just off the old Route 101 ( now the 5 Freeway). Again, with the increase in traffic between San Diego and Los Angeles, and the fields' high visibility, people were inspired to stop their cars and walk among the flowers. A subtle phenomenon began to evolve, and with each new year, more and more people would return to the fields to experience nature and the arrival of Spring. The blooming hillside was given the unofficial name, the "flower fields," by Carlsbad's residents, who began to consider it part of the local heritage. The practical name stuck, and became officially called The Flower Fields® in 1993. Edwin finally retired from the business in 1975, when he passed it along to his own sons. His talent and selection over the years are the reasons behind such an exceptional Ranunculus bloom, especially the popular giants. In fact, his highly regarded expertise led him to do research for several universities and agricultural firms. The Frazee family officially ended their ownership in 1993. Edwin continues to consult for the working ranch, helping to develop new Ranunculus flowers. In fact, from time to time, he can be seen walking the fields. Since 1993 The Flower Fields® have expanded to include displays of new spring flowers for your garden. These displays and the Color Project continue the tradition of bringing the joy and exuberance of color and nature to our visitors. Picking up where if left off last year, the All American Rose Garden will continue to delight our visitors. Today, more than 200,000 people visit the fields each year, many of whom have been returning year after year. The Flower Fields® continues to operate as a working ranch, and is still the only Ranunculus grower in the world that allows visitors to walk the fields to experience the flowers up-close. CLICK ON A PHOTO TO ENLARGE AND TO READ THE DESCRIPTION. If you like photographs of flowers, trees, outdoor scenes, birds and animals you might want to join OutdoorPhotos email group at http://groups.google.com/group/outdoorphotos