Papaver rhoeas, corn poppy or Flanders poppy, a sign of blood and new life since ancient Egyptian dynasties, is now a poignant symbol of wartime sacrifice and remembrance. A symbol of Veterans' Day (U.S.A.) and Remembrance Day (England and Commonwealth Countries) in the autumn, corn poppies more and more also represent Memorial Day in early summer.
May and June are also the traditional time in temperate climates to plant, cultivate, and delight in summer gardens. What could be more fitting than to incorporate into an early garden some traditional red corn poppies, a mix of "Shirley poppies," or one of the newer cultivars like 'Angels Choir' or 'Mother of Pearl'? Here are some Suite101 Landscaping blogs and articles about growing and using poppies in garden landscapes:
Here is a copy of "In Flanders Fields" written by Canadian military doctor Colonel John McCrae in 1915 who used the imagery of red poppies (Papaver rhoeas) in landscapes of "The Great War."
When William Shakespeare (1564-1616) wrote about "all the idle weeds that grow...in our sustaining corn," he had in mind wheat, barley, and oat fields of medieval England.
Flanders field poppies (Papaver rhoeas) brighten European landscapes in early summer. Here in the U.S., they symbolize Veterans' Day (autumn) and Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day (spring).
"Poppies and Landscapes of War" elicited a note from an old friend of mine that is shared here. He comments about poppies and the Memorial Day parade in his town.
Sweeping landscape plantings of the corn (Flanders's Field) poppy and its cousins are a knockout. These plants are true annuals though they may live for several seasons.
Government and private groups work to bring color to highway and commercial landscapes. Annual poppies add flair and dazzle to large wildflower plantings.
Early temperate season uniform poppy beds require planning and design to focus attention on residential and commercial landscapes. Presented is a planting sequence for Zone 5.
Annual poppies bring unity to wildflower meadows or a natural garden as well as create a breath-taking display. Seeds of annual poppies are easy to find and buy.
Seaside and sheltered landscape plantings and herb gardens present some down-to-earth examples for using annual poppies in natural-appearing gardens.
©Text by Georgene A. Bramlage, May 2007. Reproduction without permission prohibited.
 |
 |
 |
