MEMORIAL DAY AND RED POPPY DAY

 

Papaver rhoeas, known variously as the
Flanders poppy, corn poppy, red poppy and corn rose. 

Memorial Day, May 29, 2023 is a day to remember and honor those who died in active military service. Veteran's Day, observed on November 11th, honors those who have served in the past, present, and even pays tribute to those who will serve in the future. In the United States, the poppy is not traditionally worn on Veterans Day but on Memorial Day, to commemorate the lives of those who died fighting for their country.

May 26, 2023, is National Poppy Day.

The red poppy is a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans since World War I to honor those who served and died for our country in all wars. It reminds Americans of the sacrifices made by our veterans while protecting our freedoms. 

How did the Red Poppy become a symbol of remembrance?

The Remembrance Day symbolism of the poppy started with a poem written by a World War I brigade surgeon who was struck by the sight of the red flowers growing on a ravaged battlefield.

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian who served as a brigade surgeon for an Allied artillery unit in World War I, tended to the wounded near the front of the fighting. Many were killed on both sides during a battle that featured the first use of chlorine gas by the Germans. McCrae lost a close friend in the fighting.

The intense red poppies growing in the broken ground of battle made a deep impression on him. This was the inspiration for his poem, “In Flanders Field,” in which he used the voices of the fallen soldiers buried under those hardy poppies.

On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion. The American Legion Auxiliary  distributes poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower donate to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs. 

“In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae 

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

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Rosemary is the "herb of remembrance." Pin a sprig of fresh rosemary alongside your Red Poppy

Are you interested herbs? Check out the Herb Sampler on this Blog 

It has a list of the meanings of herbs and how to make nosegays or "tussie-mussies" .

The Second Edition Herb Sampler (2019) is now available at Snavely's Garden Center in Chambersburg or through Amazon.

Fresh Seasonings

Chives in bloom. Flowers are edible.
Leave a few for the pollinators.

Fresh Seasonings

The best seasonings are fresh herbs. Compare fresh parsley and parsley flakes in your cupboard.  Pesto needs the sweet basil and what is homemade salsa without the cilantro?

It is spring time and we often turn to lighter meals and fresh ingredient spring salads. What herbs go with lamb, or fish, or all those left over Easter eggs?

Don't GOOGLE!!! Grab your copy of the HERB SAMPLER. Available locally at Snavely's Garden Center, Chambersburg, or online at Amazon.  https://www.amazon.com/Herb-Sampler-Second.../dp/1482067463

At least click on the link and check it out. An excellent hostess gift (pick up or order several) or for most any occasion (pick up or order several).

What about Cucumber Yogurt Soup or salad with Oregano and Parsley Dressing? A Green Goddess Dip, light green in color from the fresh parsley, chives, and maybe a touch of tarragon, can be set among the pastels of colored eggs celebrating spring.

When summer comes - check out Medieval Cuckoo Foote Ale for a fresh non-alcoholic drink, pesto pita chips, or gazpacho (soup).

There is also plenty of herb growing, using and storing information plus crafts for kids and lots of reference material.

Grow at Home

All that is needed for most herbs to thrive is lots of sun, good soil drainage and occasional harvesting. Most herbs will become straggly if they do not get enough sun. Here are a few tips we’ve learned over the years about some of the popular herbs.

If you are interested in supporting pollinators, plant enough herbs for your use and a few that can be left to flower. 

Plant extra dill and parsley for the colorful black swallowtail butterfly caterpillars to munch on.

Cilantro will bolt when the weather turns warm. For fresh cilantro throughout the season practice succession planting. Plant a new pot every three weeks and it will be ready when the prior one begins to flower. Leave the white flowers for the pollinators.

Plant mints in pots. Mints are notorious for spreading with underground roots. Once they spread, they are difficult to remove since a small piece of root left behind will grow into a plant.

Harvest throughout the growing season to encourage branching and new growth. Cut before it flowers on the plants you are using but let it flower on others for the pollinators.

Wishing for warmer weather and getting out to grill? Include perennials such as rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme to use for grilling. Use them to make a marinade for use in preparing your meat. Tie a bundle of herbs to a wooden utensil and use as a basting brush. Soak some stems in water and put them on the coals when ready to cook and close the lid. No lid? Just enjoy the aroma. The sense of smell contributes to how we taste and enjoy our food.

Our Greenhouse Team is growing sweet basil, chives, cilantro, dill, lemongrass, Greek oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme for our plant sale. Visit the herb table and meet the Herb Team. We plan to have some recipe handouts on hand to share.

The Master Garden Plant Sale on May 20, 2023,  starts at 9 AM at 145 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg. Free on-site parking. Vegetables, herbs, sun and shade plants, annual flowers, and more. Credit cards, checks or cash. Watch for updates with more tips and information.

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Interested in herbs? Looking for a gift?

Perfect for a hostess gift, or birthday or housewarming.

And there is a price reduction as we look forward to spring gardening.

 Check out the Herb Sampler on this Blog  

SPECIAL Price reduction on this 5  *  *  *  *  * book

Now available retail at Snavely's Garden Center in Chambersburg, PA

The Second Edition Herb Sampler (2019) is available through Amazon. 

Just click this link to find it.