Flower Power

My first sighting of Matilija Poppies in the wild was on June 14, 1981 during my Senior picnic in high school. There they stood, over 8 feet tall on the banks of Santiago Creek. It was love at first sight. At that time, I didn't know what they were called, but I knew that I had just discovered something tremendous. The photo above was taken last week.

Over the years, I have unsuccessfully attempted to grow these flowers in my garden. They will not be fussed over. They die back to nothing every year, then in the Spring, if the conditions are right, they bolt up from the banks of sandy washes to reaveal their blooms that are as big as dinner plates. The petals are pleated crepe paper and from afar they mimic a sunny-side up egg. Lovely to touch and admire.

I've been waiting all winter to see them, and now they are here. Fully abloom. Taller than me. You can see them in their glory until the end of June. I have been visiting a large stand of these beauties for the past few weeks. They are there to greet you near the entrance sign at Riley Park in South Orange County, California.