Enjoying a Floral Diet

by Maya Vrangova

by Frank Paul Silye

Alone in the Crowd - by Martin Dolan

ORIENTAL POPPIES - Easy to Grow & Maintain

ORIENTAL POPPIES are one of the easiest and problem free plants in my garden beds. These beautiful, crepe paper-like beauties only increase in beauty from year to year.  They are long-lived and tolerant in many growing conditions. Some of my favorites are pictured here--Goliath, Queen Alexander, Harlem, Miss Piggy, Royal Wedding, Ruffled Patty and Raspberry Queen.  They like evenly moist, but not wet soil, and full sun. Plant something close by, as after they've bloomed, their foliage yellows and dies out.  The empty place they leave can then accommodate other plants.  I have daylilies, lilies, zinnias and garden mums (plants that mature and bloom later in the season) planted in those areas.  In late summer/early fall, the beautiful bright green foliage starts to grow and forms a nice clump that stays through the fall and winter.  By early spring, a full poppy plant is ready for spring bloom. Raspberry Queen is 8" across--unbelievable!  Ruffled Patty and Miss Piggy are beautiful, cut-petaled varieties.  I have found them to be very hardy, pest-free and easy to grow.  Easy to propagate, just dig down and get a long piece of an outside stem, plant immediately, keeping soil moist, but not wet, until the plant root is established.  Little side shoots are always available and I find it's easier to replant these. Varieties vary in their size and height.  Some, when in full bloom, have long stems approaching 4-5 feet, while others bloom closer to the plant, at 2-3 feet. Poppies are definitely on my list of top 10 plants in my garden.  With about 20 or so of these gorgeous plants, the hardest thing about them is trying to figure out where I can plant more in my garden!

Blue Poppy (Meconopsis grandis) Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners - by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D

At a Glance: Meconopsis grandis - (Blue Poppy)

Plant Characteristics: Features stunning, large blue flowers that make a dramatic statement in spring to early summer. A rare and enchanting perennial that adds a touch of magic to any garden.

Growing & Care: Prefers cool, moist conditions and well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade. Requires consistent moisture and protection from strong winds.

Tips for New Gardeners: Considered very challenging to grow, but with the right conditions, it's incredibly rewarding. Mulch annually with leaf mold to retain moisture and protect roots. Ideal for a woodland garden or shaded border.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - by jw | MacGardens | 09/07/2013

Poppy Field - by ReFiend

An Eye-Catching Border Idea with Allium, Oriental Poppies & Salvia

The Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina - by Notes From The Tomato Lady | 01/06/2013

Meconopsis Grandis - by Mikey__S

In Dorset, VT

Papaver Orientalis Coral Reef Oriental Poppy