Himalayan blue poppies

Himalayan blue poppies are extremely difficult to grow, needing the perfect combination of consistent cool temperatures and rich perfectly drained soil.  Nearby,  Jardins de Métis, founded by Elsie Reford, celebrates their collection of blue poppies. 

She created the garden over half a century ago, as the gardens surrounding the fishing villa that she inherited, and it continues on as a spectacular garden.

The blue poppies have been in flower there.  Wonderful.  But equally, and really more spectacular, are the blue poppies growing in the garden of two of our friends.  Their garden has the perfect climate and soil conditions for blue poppies, too.

We had a collective drawing afternoon there yesterday, perfect for attempting blue poppies.

This was my version, created with watercolor pencils and archival ink pen.