Seas of Downingia

Downingia pulchella, that is, a flower found in California's vernal pools... the perfect mix of gorgeous and cute as a button. The deep blue-violet is the standard color, but obviously various other morphs co-occur. Downingia also have a heady sweet aroma that wafts up from the fields. 

In the background you can see the encroaching distribution centers of Fremont. Thankfully this little patch is preserved as part of the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It's sensitive habitat generally closed to the public... but you can sign up for an occasional guided walk with specialists from the Refuge. Humans are excluded, but cattle can be seen grazing there, carefully managed to munch on the European grasses that otherwise would overwhelm the native forbs that used to thrive in these marginal lands.