Blue Heaven

With wit and erudition, Bill Terry examines the world of the fabled Himalayan Blue Poppy and its relatives. Ranging from the slopes of the high Himalayas through the gardens of contemporary poppy lovers, Terry-himself an accomplished Meconopsis grower-also provides clear guidelines for the successful cultivation and propagation of these notoriously temperamental beauties. But buyer beware! Meconopsis obsession may ensue.'-Des Kennedy, author of "An Ecology of Enchantment" "In Blue Heaven," Bill Terry-a leading North American authority on Asiatic Poppies-tells the story of the enchanting Himalayan Blue Poppy. First discovered in Tibet in 1924, the poppy was soon introduced to cultivation and proved challenging and stubborn, some gardeners even believed the plant to be impossible to grow. Terry debunks this myth, relating his own encounters with the blue poppy and showing how, given a suitable climate, a patient and persistent gardener can raise this most alluring of perennial plants. Gorgeous photographs accompany the text throughout, leading to a visually stunning collection of images and stories, illuminating this rare and precious flower.