Anne Jaeger
Happy “Year of the Poppy.” ‘Betcha didn’t even know it was, huh? Yeah, it’s probably just one of those made-up Hallmark holidays, this one courtesy of the National Garden Bureau, but just as noteworthy I can assure you. The Sunset Western Garden book says “Poppies provide gay color in spring and summer for borders and cutting.” The woodland or alpine poppy is the most understated of the group, the rest are over-the-top, flamboyant and ready to party. Flanders Field, Iceland, Oriental, California poppies (Eschscholzia) or blue poppy (Meconopsis), it is my personal opinion that all cottage gardens should have poppies. Gay or not. Margaret Willoughby is especially keen on growing Iceland poppies in her Southeast Portland garden. They remind her of the English gardens of her youth in Tasmania. “It’s just sort of a sentimental thing, I suppose” Margaret says wistfully “The colors are delicate, pale lemon and pink, white or cream, salmon and orange. I really love them.” The flower texture is like silk or crepe paper.
Iceland poppies love our Northwest weather. They are easiest to grow from seed. Our cooler climate suits their needs just perfectly. Apparently, from what I’ve heard, Iceland poppies don’t like warmer weather, where they’ll produce buds but no flowers. And what is the fun of that I ask you? Anyway, Iceland poppies grow with wild abandon in Margaret Willoughby’s garden. It was the first thing I saw stepping into her garden several years ago and I’ve never forgotten how beautiful they were. I spoke to Margaret the other day and she says she’s looking forward to seeing them again soon.
The National Garden Bureau recommends you use poppies in a border garden with lamb’s ears, cornflowers, larkspur, Shasta daisy and veronica. For a more “meadowy” look they suggest sowing poppies among lupine, coreopsis, Indian blanket, black-eyed Susan and cornflower. Yet, Margaret Willoughby allows poppies to be… well… poppies. She takes the formality out of it. Willoughby says she throws caution to the wind and just scatters them anywhere in the garden. Not just borders or meadows. The seeds winter over and come up with exuberance in spring or early summer abundance “You never know where they’re going to come up. So you have to be patient.” And isn’t that part of the fun? Sort of like a surprise party with poppies every year. Happy 2003 “Year of the Poppy.”
Poppy Pointers
*Poppies make great cut flowers, just sear cut ends under a flame before placing the flowers in water.
*Cut poppies when the buds stand straight up. Just when you begin to see a little color from the petals, but before the bud is fully open.
