October's Flower of the Month has fascinated artists and historians alike, so we hope you will help us celebrate the evocative beauty of Poppies: The perfect way to memorialise fallen heroes this Remembrance Day. #FOTM.
Botanical Information
Papaver Rhoeas is the scientific name of the common poppy. These flowers thrive in disturbed soil and are native to Asia minor and were likely spread to Europe through settlers. Poppies have been used for sedative or other purposes, for thousands of years, and traces of them have been found in Egyptian and Minoan artifacts.
It most commonly flowers from June to August and has been considered a weed. Once regularly seen in cornfields, this wild-flower is seen less and less due to current agricultural methods. It makes it's home in verges and waste land.
Poppies and their meaning
Sacred to the Greek gods of dreams and sleep, Hypnos and Morpheus, legend has it that Morpheus’ dreams were influenced by sleeping in a cave full of poppy seeds. That’s where the pain medication, Morphine, derives its name.
The Victorians have a variety of meanings for poppies depending on colour, but are most often associated with dreams, eternal sleep and death. Christians associate poppies with the blood of Christ.
Today, the poppy is most well known as a symbol of remembrance. Worn in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday, they memorialise the tragedy of the First World War and all subsequent wars, inspired by the return of Poppies at Flanders Field in the spring following so much bloodshed.
Where can I find Poppies in the North Wales Landscape?
Poppies in Wales are often found at the edges of fields and roads, it is not uncommon to spot a poppy poking its way through paving slabs and gravel. There is also a native Welsh poppy that is yellow, often seen on verges or in gardens.
To properly enjoy poppies in Wales you need to have a spirit for exploration, and what better place to start than Beddgelert in Snowdonia, commonly known as ‘Gelert's grave walk’. The trail is fairly even and runs by a river with plenty of opportunity to observe wild flowers, and learn the legends of the 13th-century Prince, Llywelyn and his faithful hound Gelert.
If in between hunting for poppies you have an eye for wildlife, a walk through Dinefwr is something you will certainly enjoy. Situated in Carmarthenshire and home to the White Park cattle who have lived on this land dating from the year 920, this historic parkland has been declared a site of special scientific interest for it's diversity.
These are just a two of the multitude of unique and celebrated wild-lands where you can find this beautiful flower.
Why not bring this sensational Summer/Autumn flower indoors, to enjoy all year ‘round, at a discount?
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Want to know more?
Checkout the links below for more information about this beautiful Autumn favourite, and where to it on your visit to Mid/North Wales.