Thursday, April 12, 2012

Himalayan Blue Poppies...

 One of the blogs I follow is Wildflowerhouse by Sharon.  She paints the most beautiful watercolor flowers.  One day I was exclaiming about her blue poppy watercolors.  She kindly emailed me the information about the inspiration flowers she grows.  So I went on a quest for Himalayan Blue Poppy plants.  No nursery here in my area sells such a species.  So to the internet I went.  Hmmm...seeds for sale...
Mr. C got involved and ordered me some seeds for planting.  The label is just right.  Beautiful blue flowers.  Those seeds are mighty small.  I hope I don't sneeze.  Think of a poppy seed muffin and you have the idea of the size of the seeds.  After a lot of research and reading I must "stratify" the seeds.  What?  I am so not a country girl or farmer's daughter.  
Here I have my good quality paper towel, moistened, and sprinkled with my teeny tiny seeds.  This is 5 packets of seeds!  I can only think I should have purchased 1000 packets so I can have some flowers that might grow and bloom.  
Here is my moistened paper toweling with the seeds enclosed in their sealed baggy which now sits in my refrigerator for 3 weeks.  No peeking and no touching!  This process is done to wake the seeds up from their dormant state they have been in.  
On May 1st I will be able to process these tiny seeds to the next step.  I will explain that when I get to it as it  overwhelms me to even try to understand what I am supposed to do.  I hope I remember to take photos then also to share.
Thank you Sharon for sharing your Himalayan Blue Poppy information with me.  I hope mine grow and bloom.
Our weather is very Winter!  Rain all day yesterday.  Today it is pouring rain and sleet, slush, hail, and a few snowflakes.  I am hesitating to run my errands as I just want to stay indoors and be cozy and dry.  However, today is Mr. C's birthday and we have plans.  Driving "down the hill" an hour each way to go shopping for new Levi's and then a really special birthday dinner at a favorite french restaurant he likes.  Happy Birthday Baby!
Yesterday I spent time in my studio and found the floor and swept it.  I also cleared a huge pile of stuff from my worktable.  It always feels so good to make progress.  I also prepped some packages for mailing...
May you each have days filled with joy and creative bliss...

13 comments:

  1. Haha! I think I will have to live vicariously through you on this one, Sherry, my dear! I LOVE these blue poppies, but I don't know if I am as adventurous and brave as you are, to do all of these steps! Wow! I am excited though! Woo hoo!

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  2. Hey Sherry. You are so funny. I have been laughing the whole time I have been reading your post. The internet is definitely a good source to find anything. You might have to go back and really buy the 1000 packs. Hopefully you saved the info. Can't wait to see them blooming. Good for you to be able to get some cleaning, organizing and decluttering done. Days with rain are good for just that.
    Have fun with Mr. C, its his day today. Enjoy your outing and dinner.
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. C.

    TFS> ANA

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  3. Sherry they are so lovely, I adore them,too-and Wish you the best of luck growing them, dear.
    I think my floor would like to be swept, and washed ,too :-)
    Hugs,Dorthe

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  4. Something I could do as these would grow from seed if sprinkled on the ground in fall. Unfortunately where I want blue is the shade garden and they like sun. ;( Good luck with the seeds.

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  5. Happy Birthday to Mr. C! Hope your dinner out is fabulous!
    May all your poppies bloom and create dancing paths of blue......

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  6. Goodness, I am not a country farm girl either, glad you did not sneeze when you laid those seeds on the towel!! Sleet......What! Happy Birthday Mr C!

    Carol

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  7. Ohhhhhhhhhhh - I am very interested to follow along on these blue poppies! I love poppies of any color, but blue - how enchanting! I'm glad you didn't buy 1000 packets - think of the space you'd need in the refrigerator! Happy Friday - Tanya

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  8. I do hope your little poppies wake up from their dormant state for the next step in the process. And I hope the weather cleared for Mr. C's birthday. Happy belated! have a wonderful weekend. Tammy

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  9. Now I can't wait to see the results of your plantings!!!
    sounds beautiful
    hugs Lynn

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  10. Lovely flowers, I hope they grow big and bloom like crazy for ya!!

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  11. What a lovely blue flower! I've never heard of them. Good luck and be sure and show us pics when they bloom!!
    Hugs, Cindy

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  12. I just nominated you for The Sunshine Award, Sherry. You can check it out on my blog. Have a great day. Laurel

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  13. I looking forward to see as they are, I have never seen them before!

    Have a nice monday,
    elena

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