Wildflower bloom, Central Valley, California, United States Apr 2, 2026

Spring announces itself across California"s Central Valley in the United States with the first bursts of wildflowers following the winter rains. Stretching more than 700 kilometres from north to south and covering about 52,000 square kilometres, the valley is one of the world"s most productive agricultural regions. In early spring, however, an older identity briefly resurfaces. From March through April, native annuals such as goldfields, tidy tips and owl"s clover quickly germinate once temperature and soil moisture are optimal. They race to complete their life cycles before the long dry season begins.

© Jeff Lewis/Tandem Stills + Motion

palette

Today in History

Where is this ethereal mountain?
Apr 2, 2024Beech trees and anemone wildflowers, Jutland, Denmark
Apr 2, 2025Sandstone formations in the badlands near Caineville, Utah, United States

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Feb 3, 2026Emerald Bay and Fannette Island, Lake Tahoe, California, United States
A place where Buddha attained enlightenment
Aug 6, 2024Molokini crater, Maui, Hawaii, USA
Huddled and hunting
Jul 6, 2025Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, United States
Aug 16, 2025Colourful beehives, Italy
Oct 25, 2025Martimoaapa Mire Reserve, Finland
Dec 6, 2025Everglades National Park, Florida, United States
Mar 24, 2024Silvereyes
The sea that acts like a lake
Feb 4, 2026Red kite in snow
Jan 7, 2024Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, Australia
Jan 26, 2026Republic Day
Apr 6, 2026Castle Day Japan
A future built on the past
Jan 1, 2025Happy New Year!
Apr 13, 2026International Dark Sky Week
‘Night shining’ clouds
Were halfway there
Jun 26, 2026The River Thames, London, England
Aug 20, 2023Start Point Lighthouse, South Devon, England
Jul 9, 2024Talampaya National Park, Argentina
Stretching to the sky
Aug 20, 2024Sunrise at Grand Teton National Park
Jan 24, 2025Strokkur geyser in Iceland
Postcard from Italy
May 31, 2026Highway through Xitai Jinaier Lake, Qinghai Province, China
Say hello to these halophytes!
Nov 10, 2025Black-tailed prairie dogs in Badlands National Park, United States
Apr 28, 2025Impala in Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana