Self sowers

Warmer weather and moisture still in the ground enables self sowers to put on a lot of growth at this time of year.  Here, Eschscholzia californica (california poppy) is ready to put on its dazzling bright display in my small front forecourt. In truth, they need to be thinned out at an early stage otherwise you'll be over run by them but by leaving the odd one here and there, you'll have a lovely natural display.

Shoulder to shoulder

A few weeks a go I tried a new poppy called Papaver dubium subsp lecoqii var albiflorum (what a mouth full).  Also commonly known (thank goodness) as 'Beth's Poppy.' A delightful blush pink flower should have a few admirers.  I would have had an earlier display if sown last autumn but I'm sure a later display is still feasible from an early spring sowing.

Poppies, apparently, dislike root disturbance but if you prick them out at a very early stage you shouldn't encounter any problems. These were pricked out a couple of weeks a go and will soon be placed in their location.  Nothing rigid - just a casual threading through parts of the border.   Hopefully, they may self seed thereafter and provide a relaxed coittage garden feel.