Sunday, April 8, 2012

Poppy Party

An internet friend in northern California sent me several ounces of poppy seeds last year. In the fall I mentioned to Lyn that she might want to sprinkle a few seeds around through the gardens. It is now obvious that my idea of a few and her idea of a few is drastically different. I started noticing little poppies here and there and then there and there and over there. We have about a hundred more then I wanted but she wants them all to bloom and I think they just might have.

First there were the flat bloomed, red ones with the petals that look like they are made out of crepe paper.

There were a lot of poppies that were lagging behind in the whole bloom opening thing. A few of those started to open and they had big, pink, puff ball blooms that had the shredded looking petals.

More blooms appeared and more and more until we have this.
The problem with all these poppies is that they are shading other plants that are in the front yard. Lyn really wanted to see the poppies all bloomed out so we will just have to wait to see if the other plants make it or not. I think in another month when the poppies are dead and gone there is going to be a large piece of bare ground in the front yard.

That ground may be filled up rather quickly as I have built another gate for Hill Country Natives nursery in Leander and took out the whole price of the gate in trade for plants. They are carrying fruit trees now and he is about to get in a bunch of new natives that are natives from other states that are supposed to do well here. These are plants that are not in any nurseries around here and I am very excited to see them. I can replace the seven fruit trees that I lost last summer as well. It's a lot of plants but it is a hell of a fine looking gate. Here's a picture of it in the shop. They liked it a lot.

16 comments:

Caroline said...

Bob, that gate is magnificent. And so are those frilly poppies! I always enjoy your posts so much.

Rock rose said...

The gate is another one of your masterpieces, Bob. You are a fine craftsman. The bad news is that next year you will have even more poppies! I am yanking mine out right left and center as like many things in my garden, they are out of control.

Diana said...

Love the poppy party. I've never grown them myself, but would love to have some next year. I'm glad to know that they got big and crowded the other smaller plants - makes a big difference in where I'd plant them, that's for sure. And the gate is stunning.

Meredith said...

The gate is beautiful! I look forward to seeing it at the nursery. And I know what you mean about the poppies -- they are beautiful but you start to wonder whether to let them do their thing or try to control them. This year I was so glad for the color that I let every one of them grow. You win on the frilly ones -- I had two and thought that was nifty keen.

Bob said...

Jenny, I am battling the other half on the poppies. She swears she is going to collect all the seeds and scatter them along our drive way, it's a long drive way.

Diana, I will have plenty of seeds to give you soon.

Are you back yet Meredith? How long have you been gone, a year? You did have great pictures of the birds, gators and other critters though.

Elgin_house said...

I'm with Lyn, Bob--I love the pink puffballs :-) They're so exuberant!

The gate is terrific! I like how it looks sort of minimalist and modern, but still organic and plant-y.

katina said...

Trust your wife, there Bob!

Also, I love the gate. love, love, love the gate.

Jenny Nazak said...

Hi Bob - Mitch (who I'm doing some work for) recommended your blog to me, and now I see why! Great stuff. Love your gate for Hill Country Natives BTW. Will you be joining us at the Roots & Fruits Faire on May 5?

Bob said...

I will most certainly be there Jenny. See you soon.

Cat said...

Lucky HCN! Your design and craftsmanship are beautiful. Simply beautiful.

Bob said...

Not any prettier than your pictures Cat.

ConsciousGardener said...

The gate is gorgeous, Bob...and I love the poppies and Lyns love for them ALL! Save me a few pods would ya?

Bob said...

She has collected 2 butter tubs full of seeds Cheryl. You can have all you want.

SomeLikeItHot said...

Bob -

The poppies are beautiful. I can't wait to see them in my yard next year. Thanks so much for the seeds, and the ponds.

Laura

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Ddjd412 said...

What type of poppy are those frilly/shredded looking ones? I've been trying to find them!