The fall of 2014 moved Canada into a new realm. It used to be Canadian soldiers went to places that were not so nice as part of their commitment to the United Nations and world peace. That was forever changed this October. As Canadians we have enjoyed incredible freedom and I fear that those days are now behind us. I happened to be in Ottawa for meetings with the National Association of Career Colleges during that fateful week in October. We were in the thick of things and that brought home the reasons we give thanks and take a moment to remember those who gave their lives so we can live free. Please wear your poppies with pride and Nov. 11, please take a moment to remember.
It was in the early 19th century, during the Napoleonic wars when the first connection of the poppy to those who lost their lives in times of war occurred. The fields of war were barren before the battles were fought but after the fighting ended the fields were filled with mile after mile of blood-red poppies.
Once again during the First World War, the fields became rich with lime from rubble and again the poppies thrived. It was in 1915 when John McCrae's poem In Flanders Fields forever memorialized the poppy as a symbol of those who lost their lives during war. During the 1920s Madame Guerin first used the sale of handmade poppies to raise money for children in war-torn areas. It was also during the '20s that the first poppies were distributed in Canada.
Today, it is the mission of the Royal Canadian Legion to "serve veterans and their dependants, to promote Remembrance, and to act in the service of Canada and its communities." The Poppy Campaign is not only a major funding source distributing poppies Canada wide, but also serves to perpetuate remembrance and ensures the memory of the sacrifices made by our war veterans both today and yesterday are not forgotten.
In addition to being a revered symbol, poppies are simply a stunning plant! There are over 50 species of annuals and perennials that can be grown easily. The Flanders or Shirley poppies (Papaver rhoes) are one of the simplest poppies you can grow. It is a remarkable experience to see seas of scarlet in the fields of Europe in spring. I will never forget in the heart of England going for a walk one evening, through the village, past an ancient well and up a pathway to the top of a rise. At the top of the rise, were endless miles of red, which of course was none other than the immortalized poppy!
The Iceland poppy (P. nudicale) is a biennial that grows like an annual. The silky petals are intensely coloured and will produce up to 50 flowers per plant. Ensure that you plant this selection in an unmulched area to allow reseeding.
P. somniferum (corn poppy) is a large flowered poppy that produces huge flowers. Following bloom, the large seed pods are filled with edible seeds and are also attractive in dried arrangements.
The Himalayan blue poppy actually belongs to a different genus (Meconopsis) and is similar to true poppies in many ways. It is a perennial for us here and blooms a beautiful blue. They need to be grown in partial shade and need an evenly moist environment.
Grow poppies of any kind in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Poppies are easy to plant. Simply sprinkle seeds lightly on the soil and gently work in. As the seedlings grow, thin so there is four to eight inches between plants. Many poppies will self-seed so ensure they are planted where they can spread. Although the flowers are spectacular, the foliage is less so, so plant them behind other perennials so the foliage is less obvious after bloom.
Lest we forget, Nov. 11, take a moment to remember and next spring, grow more poppies!
- Hanbidge is a horticulturist with the Saskatoon School of Horticulture and can be reached at 306-931-GROW(4769); by email at [email protected] or check out our website at saskhort.com.
