My commute home from work had me glancing down every five minutes or so to see the poppies I bought from the florist, nestled into tissue paper. They had already traveled so far, and I was hoping their slender stems survived another 20 minutes on the crowded 6 train. And now, I get to enjoy them over my cup of coffee this morning...
~more photos after the jump~
This past week I saw them as they were delivered, a big wild bunch that the florist set about untangling. Some already had their delicate stems broken- I never realized that there would already be a percentage destined for the trash. One of the stems did get broken on the way home - and by the end of the night the sap had drained out and the flower looked deflated.
It was about this time last year that I stumbled upon these poppies at the same flower shop and learned about the special care they needed. The stems need to be cauterized with a flame so the sap does not flow out, and the pod skins sometimes need to be gently peeled back to help them open up (thanks for reminding me, Kerry!).
I remember being just as excited then to bring them home and let my eyes take in their color.
matt at apartment therapy dot com
Copyright © 2008 Apartment Therapy
These photos are amazing -- they are so vibrant and, frankly, sensual. Thank you for brightening up a rather grey NYC day.
view amynyc's profile
hey, very nice photos! i love poppy3.
this, i had no idea: "The stems need to be cauterized with a flame so the sap does not flow out"
they sure are beautiful flowers!
view kdkaboom's profile
I adore poppies, they seem so fragile yet very strong. The fact that they are my mom's favorite flowers make me kinda biased too. Your photos are amazing and I especially love the 3rd one. I would print, frame and hang it on my very plain wall. Simply gorgeous.
view drinknbake's profile
Just lovely!
view ingyland's profile
What florist are these available? looking for Poppies for a photoshoot and went to every florist on 28th street (NYC) to no avail. Would really appreciate it!
view grecodeco's profile
grecodeco -
Monday is a good day to check. Definitely call around before going. These are from Century Florist on UES. Root Stock & Quade in BKLYN said they had some last week.
You may also want to call Ariston, which is near 28th. Have also seen the am Prudence, which is also nearby.
Since flowers come into the shops then sell so quickly it always is a real challenge to get what you want. I have had flowers disappear before I can go back and get them!
view mattplantguy's profile
Matt - Thanks for the info - Also looking for branches of Cotton (saw in the window at ABC and somewhere else last week). Any ideas? - Adam
view grecodeco's profile
Branches of cotton would have most likely come from U.S. Evergreen which is around the corner from all the shops on 28th, south of the McDonalds on the corner. They get big branches brought in by the truckload...
view mattplantguy's profile