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Growing on the High Plains

Growing on the High Plains: Poppies—Part One

By Skip Mancini
Published July 29, 2021 at 4:54 PM CDT

Today’s Growing on the High Plains pierces the pod of the popular poppy, noting its unforgettable appearance as a memory eraser in The Wizard of Oz. Ironically, it’s also a symbol of remembrance of fallen soldiers, thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s haunting poem, “In Flanders Fields.”

If there’s one flower associated with “feeling no pain,” it has to be the iconic poppy. Since cavemen roamed the earth, this flashy flower has maintained its reputation for medicinal and narcotic applications—though modern appearances in muffins and salad dressings might feel a bit more familiar. Today’s Growing on the High Plains pierces the pod of the popular poppy, noting its unforgettable appearance as a memory eraser in The Wizard of Oz. Ironically, it’s also a symbol of remembrance of fallen soldiers, thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s haunting poem, “In Flanders Fields.”

Growing on the High Plains
Skip Mancini
Years ago Skip Mancini left the rocky coast of Northern California to return to her roots in the heartland. Her San Francisco friends, concerned over her decision to live in a desolate flatland best known for a Hollywood tornado, were afraid she would wither and die on the vine. With pioneer spirit, Skip planted a garden. She began to learn about growing not only flowers and vegetables, but hearts and minds. If you agree that the prairie is a special place, we think you'll enjoy her weekly sojourns into Growing on the High Plains.
See stories by Skip Mancini