Poppies

This tough family of flowering plants thrives in arid environments throughout world with species found on every continent except Antarctica! Its ability survive in harsh environments, especially on the WW1 battlefields in Western Europe, made it a symbol of perseverance and remembrance. Though most parts of this beautiful flower are toxic or even psychoactive, seeds from some species are coveted in baking for their subtle flavor and dark blue color (just done take a drug test after noshing on a poppy seed bagel). Nearly all poppy species are annual or short lived perennials so their ability to survive is due in part to its ability to produce tons of seeds that need little moisture to germinate. It truly amazing that some of the largest, most colorful flowers in the plant kingdom come from some of the smallest seeds. All hail the poppy! King of all annual flowers.

Poppies provided by The Heirloom Yard & Beehill Farm