A poppy field and a wheat field in the Basel region
- Adrian Wirz
- Dec 20, 2025
- 3 min read
At the end of May and beginning of June, a poppy field with thousands of blossoms bloomed in the Upper Basel region. A little later, the cornfields followed suit.
At the end of May, I was riding my e-mountain bike, as I often do, across a plateau in the Basel region. I stopped for a break on a bench. In the distance, I saw something red, and upon closer inspection, I realized it was a poppy field. Well-protected by cherry trees and hidden from the road, this was a truly exceptional poppy field!
After waiting another three days, I packed my camera bag and cycled to the field in the evening. It's certainly convenient to have a poppy field practically on your doorstep. And the weather was varied, sometimes with storm clouds and the next day with clear skies. Checking the memory cards in the evening gave me the chance to improve my photos the following day. So I was there almost every evening of the week. On Friday, I also went for sunrise. Of course, poppy fields like these get popular, and so, except for the first day, I was always in company. On two evenings, I had my own company: once with Andreas Gerth and the other time with Daniel Horisberger.
The Wheat Field. About two weeks later, from a distant vantage point, I saw a large field of grain growing on a small plateau. A tree stood at the edge. A few days later, I went to explore. That's how I discovered that the tree was a walnut tree. A nice change from the usual linden trees. The Basel region is known for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Unfortunately, sunsets aren't possible at this particular field. But sunrises are.
I've known this tree since early childhood. But I only really started to notice it in recent years. From a vantage point, I have a good overview of what fields are currently being sown on this small plateau. Of course, I'd prefer a barley field, but that's risky with the slightest breeze. No matter, I took what was there! At first, it was a shimmering blue-green field, quite pretty to look at. But I wanted the golden ears of grain; for me, they're the sign that summer has reached its peak. Where there were once beautiful, golden fields of grain, only brown wastelands will remain afterward.
At the beginning of July, I noticed the cornfield changing color, from green to gold. Just a few more days, and it should be perfect. Of course, I also wanted an evening photo of this wheat field with the walnut tree. I wanted that golden light during the golden hour!
Behind me, a few cattle in the adjacent pasture watched my activities curiously. At the slightest sudden movement, they scattered, only to cautiously approach again a moment later.
What I'm still missing is the sunrise over this golden cornfield. I'm hoping for a clear night.
That would be done too... but thunderstorms are forecast for today. Really thick clouds would be quite pretty, wouldn't they? Okay, with lightning too, but the field's location is a bit too exposed for my liking. Although, actually, the walnut tree should be acting as a lightning rod! I'll keep at it, maybe not until next year! This wheat field will be harvested in the next few days. I'm curious what kind of field will grow here next year. My wish is a barley field. I was really lucky this evening; for a brief moment, the low sun shone through a gap in the clouds.
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