Tuesday 18 June 2013

Poppies...and an astrantia

Finally, my poppies (Papaver Orientale 'Checkers') have flowered!  I have been anxiously waiting as the buds appeared, but no sign of the flowers.  Then they started to open but the weather turned wet and I was worried that the petals would turn to mush inside the buds. 
 Happily, that didn't happen and they are looking lovely.  I grew these from seed and although the flowers aren't quite as big as they have been in the past, they are still beautiful.
 The pattern and colours are amazing.  The blotches look black but are a deep burgundy/purple.
I couldn't resist adding this astrantia in, even though it is nothing to do with the poppies.  Nature's designs are amazing.

10 comments:

  1. Oh Ellie your flower photos are amazing! Those poppies! Absolutely stunning! The third one down reminds me of a Georgia O'Keefe painting. Just gorgeous! E x

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    1. Dear E
      Thank you. I love the poppy flowers, even though they don't last for long, but their beauty more than makes up for their fleeting appearance. I was lucky that they had just opened this morning before it got too bright and that I was able to rush in and grab my camera.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  2. Your Poppy is gorgeous. I have a pale pink one that has cerise markings inside the petals. No idea of its name.

    The Astrantia is very pretty too.

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    1. Dear Toffeeapple
      Thank you. Your poppy sounds gorgeous - pale pink and cerise; a lovely combination. I would love to have more poppies in my garden but I just don't have enough space. Oh well, perhaps in my future garden, one day...
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  3. Hi Ellie.
    I hope to have flowers open on my astrania very soon. Beautiful poppies.

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    1. Dear cookie
      Thank you. I have tried to grow the dark astrantias as well, but without success, even though I have tried them in different parts of the garden. The one I have (astrantia major) seems to be doing well this year, so long may that continue.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  4. Very pretty flowers. I love astrantias and we have a couple in our garden.

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    1. Dear Anne
      Thank you. I like astrantias too and would love to grow some different colours, but they don't seem to like my garden. This one is the only one that has done well for me, but that's fine because it is lovely.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  5. Wow! Those poppies are glorious. I do hope they're lasting in this blustery weather :)

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    1. Dear Annie
      Thank you. They have looked lovely and I have enjoyed them, but the wind and rain over the weekend has hastened their end! I'm glad I took the photos when I did!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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