Hello, dear flower fans!
Welcome to another ramble through our garden of delights. This March, we're celebrating the bold, brassy Italian poppy, not the sombre sort you might recall from history lessons, but the vibrant, cheeky bloom that practically declares, "Spring is here. I'm here to party!"
Why Poppies, You Ask?
Did you know?
Once known as the rebels of the garden, poppies have always had a knack for stealing the show. Far from the quiet types, these blooms are the life of any room, adding a splash of drama and colour that even the greyest British day can't' dampen.
Funny Tips for Poppy Care
- Fresh as Your Morning Brew: Change their water daily; after all, even poppies deserve a fresh cup of tea!
- A Snip of Sass: Trim the stems quickly (about an inch) under running water. It's like giving your blooms a mini hairdo!
- Keep Them Chill: Place them in a cool, shady spot, a little retreat from the hustle of the sun's rays.
- No Mess, No Stress: Remove any leaves that drift into the water. Clean water equals happy poppies (and a happy you)!
Poppy Seed Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Smoothie
When life gives you poppies, why not turn their seeds into a delightful treat? Try this simple, scrumptious, zesty treat: our Lemon Poppy Seed Smoothie. It's a refreshingly simple pick-me-up on a sunny day in the Cotswolds (even if it's' a tad grey outside).
What You'll Need:
- 1 medium banana – nature's very own sweetener.
- Juice from ½ a lemon + 1 tablespoon lemon zest – for that tangy kick.
- 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk – homemade if you fancy a bit of DIY, but store-bought works too.
- 1 tablespoon almond butter – a nutty delight.
- 3 significant dates, chopped – or if your blender isn't' up to speed, substitute with 1½ tablespoons pure maple syrup (or soak your dates for at least 30 minutes).
- 1½ teaspoons poppy seeds – the star of the show!
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – for a hint of warmth.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon – a dash of spice to keep things interesting.
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg – a whisper of nutty aroma.
- A small pinch of acceptable sea salt – to balance the flavours.
- A couple of ice cubes – for that extra chill factor.
How to Make It:
- Blend Away: Pop all the ingredients into your high-speed blender.
- Whirl It Good: Blitz until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Taste Test: Take a quick sip. Would you like it more lemony or sweeter? Adjust to your liking—after all, recipes are just friendly guidelines!
A Few Cheeky Notes:
- Flexibility is Key: This recipe is as adaptable as your favourite flower arrangement. Feel free to tweak measurements or swap ingredients according to your taste.
- Quick and Easy: It requires just 5 minutes of prep time and no cooking, making it the perfect companion for a brisk morning walk through your blooming garden.
So there you have it, a celebration of the playful, plucky poppy with plenty of tips to keep your blooms as perky as ever and a poppy seed recipe to boot. Whether you're admiring these daring flowers or having a drink, let this month remind you to embrace life with a smile and a wink.
Happy blooming!
Artisan Savant Image by Sandra Oviawe