This opium poppy sprouted up suddenly between the blackcurrant bush and the compost bin, and this week it began to flower, just in time for Becky’s month of squares. Red is the theme, and square the format for the header photo.
The bees have fun with all the frills, burrowing in and out to gather pollen. I notice, too, there are more poppy plants coming on outside Graham’s shed so we’re in for a show from these showy volunteers.
When the buds first break, they are almost black, giving a glimpse of the dark underskirts first. Later, when the flower opens, they are only visible if you stand on your head.
#SimplyRed Day One – Join Becky for her month of squares: painting July red, but in a good way.
now this is my kind of surprise – how fabulous. Hope they become a regular sight for you in the garden – mine disappeared after a couple of years.
You never know with poppies. Flirty things. They seem to do their own thing.
oh that’s such a great description for them – impossibly flirty sometimes!
We used to have these poppies dans our garden but one year they were no more and have never reappeared.
Most odd.
They do have their own agenda it seems. Some years a whole flock would come to our Wenlock garden. Other years not a sign.
That’s a beautiful way to kick off your squares!
Thanks, Sarah. And now to follow it…
I love poppies. Yours are gorgeous.
Hard not to love a poppy, Thom.
I do love poppies but have never had any success growing them.
They’re difficult to germinate. These days I only have ones that bring themselves.
The best kind of surprises.
What a treat!
what a beautiful surprise
It is 🙂
Oh, that’s a beauty, Tish! I do have a soft spot for poppies xx
She is fine example. A flamenco poppy 🙂
Ole, as Rebecca would say! xx
I had double pink ones appear when I first moved here, then nothing. And none of the annuals I have sown germinated, other than some red ones in a pollinator packet. Tricksy flowers, but always lovely to see them.
They’re definitely in charge – when it comes to deciding where to grow.
Well, how apposite! And a good strong colour!
Definitely a timely arrival, Sue.
Beautifully delightful, whether as a surprise or an anticipated arrival. I love poppies. We grew some in Ohio.
Well done, you, for actually growing some poppies. They don’t seem to oblige everyone 🙂
Such a special surprise, Tish. 🌺
Yes, and there are some more in the garden today 🙂
Wow! What a gorgeous surprise.
It was 🙂
I love red opium poppies. That red pops against the blue-green pod. Delightful
Yes, that is a wonderful colour combination.
Awesome post
Thank you.