Last night as I went to bed I had one last peep at my poppy flowers still heavy in bud but clearly straining to pop following the very warm weather we’ve had over the last couple of days.

When I woke up this morning I was in no rush to get out of bed to start my day until I remembered my poppies. I came downstairs expectantly and was duly rewarded with a most beautiful sight and one which I never tire of looking forward to each year. My poppies in full bloom.

I named this blog Poppyposts in tribute to the pleasure that I get from these flowers and each year they get bigger and better, more stunning and more vibrant. I never fail to be amazed by their beauty and extravagance and the contrasting colours of orange and purple bring an exotic touch to what is otherwise a typical english cottage garden.

And here are the 2011 show-stoppers.