Along the gravel stairway on the north side of our home, Meconopsis betonicifolia or Himalayan blue poppies are in bloom. They began opening at the very beginning of the month, later than other years.

These vibrant poppies might be the favorite plants I grow. Their magical beauty leaves a lasting impression.

In the fall I added a second wine barrel with a trio of young poppies purchased at Far Reaches Farm in Port Townsend. I thought it was important to establish these before I went about dividing the clump in my original barrel, perhaps damaging it. I’m happy to report all three youngsters are in stages of blooming. Whew.

Yesterday’s rain showers gave these a beating, but more buds will open this week.