Flower Status Report 1-18-2006
Flower or daffodil season at Ironstone is a special time. Thousands
of bulbs burst into fields of color and light.
The timing of each season is controlled by Mother Nature. While
we take our best guesses at when the flowers will be at their peak,
we cannot control them. In 2003, the flowers were "early," and in
2004 and 2005, they were "late." But, who are we to tell Mother
Nature that's she's "early" or "late"?
To keep you up-to-date on the status of the flowers, we'll be putting
recent photos and notes on this website. Check back each week.
Here's the current status: (click on photos for larger versions)
Most of the beds are just beginning to show the shoots of the bulbs coming out. Not much yet, but so much to come!
An
area near the Hay Station Ranch entrance shows a bit of color.
One
patch of ground opposite the Ironstone entrance shows bulbs breaking through.
This hillside isn't showing any color and barely any bulb growth at this time. Wait until it's solid flowers! If you look closely, there are orange flags where the bulbs were filled in this winter.
The
miner's cabin area is a popular one for photographers when the bulbs are in
bloom. Not yet, though.
The
vines are dormant -- at least what we see. The wet soils are absorbing the
rains and occasional bit of snow. The roots pull it in, getting ready for
the next year. With the winery in the background, the vines await their
annual pruning.
Of course, the barrels of flowers at the front of the building are always beautiful.
Bruce
Rohrer is our Director of Operations. His guess, as of today, is that the
flowers will reach their maximum on March 4. That happens to be the day of
the Spring Obsession Weekend. Let's hope he's right!
For a full schedule of events including the Spring Obsession Weekend and Winter Silent Movies, see www.ironstonevineyards.com.
Check this page each week for statuss on the flower status. Or, call (209) 728-1251 during normal business hours to talk with a staff member.
Thanks for visiting our website!