Vetrerans Day, November 11, and the corn or Flanders poppy (Papaver rhoeas) go hand-in-hand. Here are some Landscaping blogs and articles about growing and using poppies
Veterans' Day, November 11, is fast upon us. Earlier this week, I recalled just how important this particular commemoration is when I attended an elementary school Veterans' Day concert put on by first grade students.
Many like myself, school-age during the 1930s and 40s, learned that the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month marked the temporary cessation of hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany early in the 20th century. We were very used to seeing veterans selling paper poppies to mark this day. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared November 11 as Veterans' Day.
What does this holiday have to do with landscaping? For me it is also a reminder that the annual corn poppy or Flanders poppy (Papaver rhoeas) can be an important part of a summer garden. Autumn, before the end-of-year holiday rush, is a good time to begin planning a colorful annual flowerbed or wild flower meadow to include Papaver rhoeas.
Here are some Suite101 Landscaping blogs and articles about growing and using poppies in garden landscapes:
- Poppies and Landscapes of War
- Corn Poppies Grow in Wheat Fields
- Poppies and Landscapes of War
- Landscapes and Remembrance
- Landscapes of Poppies
- Poppies and Landscape Design
- Integrate Poppies into the Landscape
- Poppies in Residential Gardens
- Annual Poppies as Landscape Focus
By the way, the school performance that I watched was the second one the students put on and the kids were great; they perform next at the local Veterans' Hospital (VAH). I hope the vets enjoy themselves as much as I did.
©Text by Georgene A. Bramlage. 2007. Reproduction without permission prohibited.
