inspired by a wild flower meadow

We drove to Low Sizergh Barn straight after breakfast so that we could walk the ancient wood before enjoying a cup of coffee. As we pulled into the car park, there it was! A wild flower meadow in raised beds. I had observed the empty beds earlier on in the Spring and then, more recently, thought the weather had prevented the owners from planting them up, thus allowing weeds to grow.

And then, today, there it was! A host of wild flowers in full bloom. I was speechless! I forgot the morning rush hour on the M6, a few yards away and just wandered round enjoying the rich variety of species. Red poppies glowed, translucent in the sunlight while the bumble bees buzzed from flower to flower.

And then I noticed this one lone white poppy, standing out among the haze of red. In 1926, the No More War movement adopted the white poppy as a pledge to peace that war must not happen again. The first white poppies were sold by the Co-operative Women's Guild in 1933 and are still worn by some pacifists on Armistice Day. To be a true pacifist is no easy option. I admire those who have been prepared to stick firmly to their principals.