The first of the papaver flowers

I saw this large flower in the front garden on Monday and thought I must record it as it signifies a certain point in spring. I brought this plant from my parents home in Berkshire when it self seeded next to their larger plant. It took straight away and rather likes our dry and somewhat arid conditions. Now it is a large plant in its own right after nearly fourteen years of settling in.

The conditions for photography weren't great as it was very bright with direct overhead sun and a steady breeze wafting the flowers around as if they were sails. My attempt to catch just the first flower was also thwarted, as I saw that the next flower was already unfurling by this morning. More buds are swelling fast and soon there will be a sizeable display. Each flower is about six inches in diameter. The central part of the flower deserves a macro shoot all to itself, and it may well get it.

ps
The name 'Berkshire poppies' always reminds me of that eponymous track on Traffic's first album, the wonderful 'Mr Fantasy', which was a highlight of my late teens at school, released in 1967. I can still remember being amazed by Steve Winwood, who was in the second band I ever saw play live, the Spencer Davis Group, at The Marquee club in 1965. He was only 15 years old!