Monday, October 5, 2009

the fire poppy

This miraculous flower is among a precious few species that ONLY emerge and carpet the ground following a wildfire - specifically a wildfire of the California type - burned chaparral and sagebrush overgrowth. They are called "fire annuals" or "fire followers," and their seeds will lie dormant in the soil for 50 years or longer - and only germinate after a fire. Fire poppies will grow profusely for several years but will eventually disappear again as the chaparral plants return.

The regular chaparral plants such as sagebrush, black sage and laurel have very strong toxins which permeate the soil around the plant and act as germination inhibitors. But these toxins burn away in a fire and other plants seeds will flourish - this is what gives a "fire scar" bounteous flowers that haven't been seen in years.

There was a house fire in our neighborhood this weekend - fortunately no one was hurt - but the house is a "total loss."

Have you got something in your life that is or was a "total loss?"
Watch for those precious miraculous things that will germinate ONLY in those conditions.
I know that might sound preachy - especially if you're in the thick of things right now - but just try to remember the fire poppy .......

14 comments:

Nettie Edwards said...

Thanks Kimmie,this is just what I needed to read. Did you do the drawing? It's gorgeous x

nancy neva gagliano said...

glad you're back....and i agree, mother nature is miraculous!! so amazing to read this about these flowers, magical and of course, in all good sense of how things work in the world. love your reminder to us to remember this in our own personal lives, tough times and burnouts.

Terri Kahrs said...

My favorite saying is: "When God closes a door, He opens a window." Those precious poppies are a wonderful reminder of "hope". Thank you! Hugs, Terri xoxo

Unknown said...

Thank you Lumi, Nancy and Terri ...
.... yes, Lumi, I did draw this ....

Jane said...

Interesting post, Kimmie. I always think of the phoenix that rises out of the ashes.

*jean* said...

dear kimmie - i love how you find the most interesting things and then draw such a great lesson from them...i find your post so uplifting and your drawing wonderful...

thank you!

Elizabeth said...

I love that your drawing of the fire poppy has not yet seen color. That's cool.

Annette Q said...

Wow! I'd never heard of the fire poppy. Thank you for sharing. Its a lovely drawing too :-)

ELK said...

you do mother nature justice with your sketching...poppies are strong...hoping that you are feeling better!

ooglebloops said...

The poppy is one of my favorite flowers - maybe that is why......great artwork too!!!!

Gayle said...

Wow. Mother Nature is very amazing. What a good reminder.

I love your drawing!

Mollye said...

Hi Kimmie, So glad you're feeling better and what a little adorable doll your daughter is. As for your post here, yes I will try to think of the Poppy when I'm faced with life's curve balls. Very awesome thoughts. Thanks for sharing, Mollye

Gini said...

Not preachy all all Kimmie!
What a lovely flower lesson to take to heart. Thank you. :-)
Glad your feeling better. It's weird how every time a season changes a spate of colds break out.
It's the same over here, so many folk sneezing and feeling poorly.

Gini
xx

Odd Chick said...

It wasn't preachy - it was a needful reminder and I think this piece of art is one of my very favorites for its simplicity and its meaning.