Oriental Poppy

One of the most dramatic poppies, the oriental or Papaver orientale, is native to southwest Asia.  Some of its spectacular flowers are as big as peonies.  They range in shades of pink through to red with 4 inch dark centers. 

"Oriental Poppy"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

White Peony, Red Heart

I saw my first peony when I was in France several years ago and fell in love.  What an exquisite flower. And the beautiful colors.  Too bad they don't grow here in the desert.  But then maybe it's a good thing as I appreciate them even more when I see them.

"White Peony, Red Heart"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

Peonies of Eymet

We had two classes today in addition to walking into town. With all this wonderful French food we're eating the exercise is good for all of us. I took the opportunity on the way in to get shots of the tiny things; wild orchids, bugs and dragon flies in addition to a few larger critters such as cows and horses, even a neighborly dog. But these peonies were absolutely ravishing. They don't grow in the desert where I live so I'm enjoying the opporotunity to photograph them.

"Peonies of Eymet" © Kathy Dunham 2009