Flower of the Week: Poppy

In honor of Memorial Day, we present the poppy, traditionally used as a symbol to honor those who served their country and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Shown here is the oriental poppy, Papaver orientale. It is easy to grow by sprinkling the seeds over bare ground in late fall in the location where you want it to grow. It may take two or more years to become large enough to bloom; after that, it will die down in the summer, but it will come back again for many years to brighten the late-spring garden with its vivid red flowers.