It was fifteen years ago this month. I was driving down Walnut Street and saw this mass of orange California poppies covering the roadside. This is an otherwise industrial part of east Pasadena — a long abandoned railroad right of way between the 210 and a lumber yard. The gray surroundings made the colors all the more unexpected and brilliant.
I never found out who planted the seeds.
Fifteen years ago, I hardly ever drove this stretch of road. So, it seemed the poppies burst out of nowhere. Today, though, I am often on Walnut –usually going to and from Home Depot. The roadside is responsibly landscaped with the typical stuff.
The poppies were a one-time thing. But, every time I drive that stretch I remember the time poppies grew on Walnut Street.
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