Checking out wildflowers is a game of patience and flexibility. That's because you can't plan for them every year (like when there is a drought) and you can't predict when each species' bloom will peak (Anacapa Island's giant coreopsis already came and went). For those seeking to see the states state flower, the California Poppy, now is the time as the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve and surrounding areas are at their best right now. And true to every year, it won't last for long. more ›

The peak bloom has already quickly come and gone at the California Poppy Reserve in Antelope Valley where crowds packed the park this past weekend. "All the wildflowers are fading quite suddenly," said the state's Poppy Reserve website on Sunday. "Although the rains seemed to come at the right time and drop the right amount, the bloom hadn't seemed to peak yet before it began fizzling out." more ›

Casey Schreiner over at Modern Hiker took a walk in the Verdugo Mountains between Glendale and Burbank on Sunday finding a few patches of wildflowers. Blogdowntown's Ed Fuentes also found himself walking on Sunday, albeit in South Park where he was enjoying the full bloom of cherry blossoms on 12th street. more ›

After our wildflower post earlier today, a couple commenters had questions and comments specifically about poppies and the cherry blossom season. more ›