Watfordians came across a view straight out of a fairy tale, when they found out Californian poppies started blooming in a field in Watford.
According to the photographer Andrew Lalchan, who was there to capture the scenery, someone had scattered some poppy seeds and forgotten about them. As a result, there is now a glorious orange field full of poppies. “Mixed with some pink and white poppies and thistles which will bloom in June, they will produce a kaleidoscope of colour”, Andrew mentions in his blog.
These orange poppies are native to California hence the name Californian Poppy. Their proper name is Eschscholzia californica; native to the United States and Mexico. The California poppy, Eschscholzia californica, with feathery bluish-green leaves and single blooms that come in shades of orange, red, yellow, or white, which are followed by long, curved seed-pods. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant flowering in summer and can also be used as a food garnish.
“I am sure these flowers are going to be a hit with photographers & Instagrammers alike over the next few months, they should be flowering till September. They make a perfect backdrop to a photo shoot”, Andrew says.
For more amazing photographs of the Californian poppies and the field, click here.
Where are they?
Just off junction 19 of the m25 along Langleybury lane. Or you can walk through the Grove Hotel grounds and find the musical walk public pathway. Head north out of the woods that the path goes through and it will be in front of you as you come to a clearing.
Please note there is no parking there if you go by car.
Remember to Tag Us!
If you visit the fields, remember to tag us in your best pictures or use the hashtag #visitwatford on social media for the chance to be featured on our feed! We’ll be sharing the best shots.
