Paul Ecke III tells a story about his fastidious volunteers at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. A docent once asked him to get out of the field — even after learning he was the owner.

And that’s how he explains the importance of keeping your distance from the plants to preserve them.

The north end of the Carlsbad Flower Fields, at 5704 Paseo Del Norte, is now ablaze with color, and visitors are welcome through at least Mother’s Day.