The Skagit Valley, my home till last year, is 30 miles North of us. Tucked into this little valley are the largest producers of Tulip Bulbs in the world. If you are lucky enough to be in this area in April, you might just get to see the amazing Tulip and Daffodil Fields in full bloom. Rolling acres of colour that will amaze you!
This means from February through April and sometimes into May, TONS of cut Daffodils and Tulips are available to us locals at such great prices I can't help but load my house up with fresh flowers.
AND while I LOVE how the two blooms look together in a arrangement; if you are going to do this, it is important that you prep your Daffodils as they omit a toxic sap that will kill off your Tulips if you just cut and put straightaway into a vase or arrangement. Here are some tips...
Blushing Daffodils, I love their pink hue.
Pike Place Plethora!
...Do not harden freshly cut tulip flowers with freshly cut daffodils (Narcissus)! Freshly cut daffodil flowers exude a sap which contains chemicals that are toxic to cut tulips. .
For immediate use of freshly cut tulip flowers with freshly cut daffodil flowers, two systems are available:
1. Place the cut daffodil flowers in water overnight and then rinse the stems prior to use with the cut tulips.
2. Use 20-25 drops of bleach per gallon of water. Place the cut daffodil flowers in the solution for a minimum of one hour and a maximum of six hours. Subsequently, rinse the stems and use the flowers with the cut tulips.
If you look closely, EACH stem has two heads! Siamese Tulips!
Possible new variety? Not sure about that but I am enjoying them!
Happy Spring Everyone!
