San Diego Flowers

Who planted the San Diego Flowers?

These San Diego flowers are untamed, independent kinds. They reproduce on their own in a natural environment without human intervention, unlike, say, the tended poinsettias at the Paul Ecke Ranch, said John Rebman, who's curator of botany in the San Diego Organic History Museum and has had a fern named following him (subspecies Rebmania).<br>

What time will the San Diego Flowers be here?

"We'll joke that they'll be here March 10 at 10 a.m.," says Martha Baker of the Anza-Borrego Foundation. "We don't know any much more than someone guessing the weather forecast." The foundation makes Anza-Borrego Desert State Park's flower maps and updates its wildflower hot line. Call to discover out what's in bloom at (760) 767-4684 or try the weekend Theodore Payne Wildflower Hotline for Southern and Central California at (818) 768-3533.

San Diego Flowers

Can picking San Diego Flowers get you arrested?

You'd expect a tongue-lashing for tearing up your neighbor's flowerbeds, right? Well, California Code of Regulations 4306 under Title 14 goes a step further when it comes to state parks. Should you pick, dig up, kick, drive over, squash, move, molest or, as the code puts it, bum* a wildflower, it is a misdemeanor charge. The ranger will give you a ticket. (In situation you are wondering, it is also illegal at national parks.)

*Bumming, in this situation, has nothing to do with affecting flower moods: It means "to ruin or spoil."

How amazing will this crop of San Diego Flowers be?

Mother Nature has had her Super Soaker pointed at our region: San Diego's total rainfall has reached more than 7 inches this season, about .32 above average. It's been nearly as wet at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Ranger Steve Bier said he's expecting a spectacular bloom, maybe something on par with the bud bounties of 2004 and 2005. On a recent go to, the desert lilies were already popping.

When should you leave the house in search of San Diego Flowers?

Depends. Wildflower clusters come in waves which are tied to their geographic location and rainfall amounts/duration. As it starts to warm up, things flower quicker, so point your vehicle at the lower foothills very first. Anza-Borrego should look like a crazy centerpiece starting about next week, but remember to check the hotlines just to be certain. Last week, just a few sand verbenas and desert lilies were out. Coastal flowers at Torrey Pines State Reserve are worth a appear soon. Mountain areas might be jumping with poppies, lupines and wild lilac in another month or two. Martha Baker, who lives in Julian, says Mother's Day is really a great time for a visit.

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