In 1973, the California state legislature designated that April 6th would become "California Poppy Day".
The California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) was named the State Flower of California after the California State Floral Society decided to choose an appropriate bloom for an official emblem.
After a landslide vote in December of 1890, the California Poppy beat out the Mariposa Lily and the Matilija Poppy for the honor. It wasn't until 1903 that the legislature finally made the official proclamation.
California Poppies are a protected wildflower in the state of California, but they can easily be grown from seed on your own property and enjoyed immensely. Seeds available where wildflower seeds are sold.
Photos courtesy of: http://www.freeherbphotos.com/
Hi Jules,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I really like the new look of your blog. :)
Then -- the California Poppies are just wonderful. Thanks for sharing these gorgeous photos.
Hugs,
Birgit
Thanks Birgit, the blog layout is still a work in progress (probably will be for a long time). I really like the look of yours - those butterflies are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI love the Poppies - when I lived back East for a few years they were one of the flowers I missed most. We always had some growing wild out near the front of our property. Such pretty little blasts of sunshine.
Gorgeous shot! The only poppies I've grown were bright red with dark throats...double shirley poppies, I think? I love the color of that one.
ReplyDelete~Amber
What a gorgeous shade of orange! Thanks for sharing this beauty!
ReplyDeleteKisses from Nydia.
Hi Amber & Nydia, I wish I could take credit for these beauties. They were found on the site http://www.freeherbphotos.com. Unfortunately I have no blooming poppies here at the "new" house yet. I seeded them late so I probably won't see any of my own blooms until next spring! I hated leaving so much of my garden when we moved, but oh well..
ReplyDeleteThank you both for coming by to say Hi!