The Poppy

April is here with sun and rain and the hint of green, yellow, purple, red, and white flowers popping up everywhere!  Our ornamental Cherry Tree is blossoming, and the sight of it makes me take a deep breath and rejoice in awe that spring is finally in full bloom!!!  Thank God for getting us through this long winter.  Now is a good time to prune your trees and shrubs to encourage new growth!  Be careful if you are pruning roses as the thorns can be very unforgiving!!

    Get out there and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine!! Even though it may be a little cool yet, the crisp air will be great for your lungs.  The sun on your skin will help with Vitamin D production.  This, along with the dirt on your hands is thought to promote the production of the "happy" neurotransmitter, serotonin.  Increased levels of serotonin fight depression, anxiety and even symptoms of fibromyalgia and more!!   Take it from your kids, we should all dig in the dirt more! Gardening is the best medicine!

    The cool weather is a great time to scatter the seeds of annual poppies in your garden or flower bed.  These beauties host a magical array of colors and can add brilliance to any garden anywhere!  According to Almanac.com/Gardening, the wartime remembrance poppy, or red-flowered corn poppy, is worn to commemorate those who died in war. The California poppy is the state flower of California.  The flower also appeared in jewelry and art in Egypt 1550-1292 BC. You can order poppy seeds and much more to start your garden at  https://www.seedsnow.com/products/wildflowers-poppy-scatter-garden-seed-mix?rfsn=2567993.8d5b32