February 2007

Ask Ardith: Classic Spring Bulb Design
Supplies:
Glass vase
Rock, marbles, vines, branches, willow, sand, pebbles, any waterproof materials. One base medium per container is minimalist
Washed bulb daffodils
Instructions:

  1. Shake soil from bulb, wash the soil off of the bulb
  2. Wash and dry glass vase
  3. Add base medium as marbles or stones to make sure the bulbs do not set directly in the water with flower food. The root system will draw the water
  4. Add more decorative accents around the bulbs. The bulb will be visible. You may add some more willow up into the bulbs and foliages
  5. Spray the flowers and foliages that are out of the vase about three times a day for a longer lasting design
  6. You may use any bulb flowers for this design. Keep the container in proportion with the flowers
  7. Make several on tall glasses or cylinder vases for a table centerpiece, mantle design, or corporate account

Daffodil, Narcissus, Jonquil
Botanical Name: Narcissus
Genus Pronunciation: nar-sis-us
Common relatives:Agapanthus,Alstromeria,clivia, lycoris, nerine and amaryllis (hippeastrum)

Botanical facts: Narcissus is a classical Latin name, from the Greek; perhaps as the origin suggests in allusion to narcotic properties. It is not clear whether it was named after the youth Narcissus in mythology.

Purchasing Hints: Flowering potted plants should be in” pencil stage”. Pencil refers to the flower position of daffodils relative to the stem which is straight up

Care and handling: Cut the white off of the end of the stem, remove loose foliages, and place in cool water with bulb flower food. Keep the daffodil in the water alone; do not place other flowers with them. The daffodil family flowers exude a sap which if drank by other flowers will clog the stems and prematurely kill them.

Special Information: Narcissus bulbs require low temperatures for proper flowering. Display in the coolest possible location in your home or office. After flowering the bulbs may be planted outside in temperate zones and should flower the following season.