June 8, 2012

Romneya coulteri ‘White Cloud’ (Matilija Poppy)

Just outside my edible garden the matilija poppies, native to southern California, grow and bloom with abandon. A fence separates the garden from the dirt alley and the poppies lean gracefully, akin to a lady’s curtsy.

Because of their intrusion into the (rarely used) alley, my husband was ready to truss them up unnaturally last weekend. His twine snapped, it was late in the day and they remain in their preferred state of repose. I promised to “prune” by cutting bouquets to share with friends.

The bees are busy all day on the large “yolks” of the “fried egg plant,” as some call it. My vegetables and fruit trees benefit from the presence of these pollinators on the other side of the fence.

I’d better get busy and make more bouquets before the weekend.