Archive for April, 2011

THE HERALDS OF SPRING COLLECTION
of Hand-tied Bouquets

Celebrate Passover, Easter, Administrative Professional’s Day, or any day with one of our beautiful hand-tied bouquets.

PRE-BOOK BY APRIL 15TH
and receive our special pricing inclusive of delivery and taxes.

Regard $80 (Reg. $100)

Friendship $85 (Reg. $105)

Affection  $90 (Reg. $115)

Desire   $100 (Reg. $125)

“ECHO AND NARCISSUS” by John William Waterhouse

The Latin name for the daffodil is narcissus, but the name’s  origin actually has it’s roots in ancient Greek mythology. It is said that the Greek God Narcissus was so self-absorbed as he gazed at his image in a stream, that he fell in and drowned. The other Gods placed narcissus flowers on the bank in remembrance of him, causing the plant to first spring from where he died. The ancient Greeks also called the flower narkisso because of it’s overpowering narcotic like properties (narkao, “to grow numb” in greek).  Victorians who sent bouquets including daffodils, were telling the recipient of their regard, or a more serious bouquet of jonquills to say “I desire a return of affection”.

The daffodil was also used as a ritualistic flower of death by the Egyptians, who placed the skins of the bulbs over the eyes, nose, and mouth, of a Pharaoh’s mummy before burial, as a symbol of resurrection and rebirth.

In  kampo, ancient traditional Japanese medicine, wounds were treated with narcissus root and wheat flour paste.

Victorians who sent bouquets including daffodils were telling the recipient of their regard, or a more serious bouquet of jonquills  to say “I desirea return of affection”.

In China the Narcissus flower is seen as a symbol of wealth and good fortune, especially if it blooms on  Chinese New Year.

Many cancer organizations around the world use the daffodil as a fundraising symbol, but it was The Canadian Cancer Society who first
instituted “Daffodil Days” in Toronto 1957.

The Frampton Flora by Richard Mabey

There may be some confusion between  “daffodil”, and “narcissus”….to explain, every flower has a common name and a botanic name (latin).  Daffodil is the common English name used for all varieties of the mainly hardy, mostly spring flowering bulb, belonging to the Amaryllis family native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Narcissus is the botanic name. There are 13 different species  or varieties of daffodils / narcissus, based on both the flower and genetic background. ie Jonquils only belong to the rush leaved species of Narcissus jonquilla, the flowers of the tazetta group, Narcissus papyraceus are commonly known as paperwhites, and blooms of the Narcissus poeticus are known as The Poet’s Daffodil.  All of varieties contain the poison lycorine in the bulb and leaves. Florists and people who frequently handle daffodils  are often affected by dermatitus, or “daffodil itch”. Daffodils are not often mixed with other flowers in a vase or arrangement because this poison will kill the other flowers. But it is possible,  if the daffs are handled properly.

Daffodil Quotes

“I wandered lonely as a cloud……………” William Wordsworth.

“A house with daffodils in it is a house lit up whether or no the sun be shining outside. Daffodils in a green bowl-and let it snow if it will.” A.A. Milne.

Daffodils are the birthflower for the month of March.

The daffodil is the national flower of Wales. It is traditional to wear a daffodil, on St David’s Day, (March 1) to honour the Patron Saint of Wales.

“March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers.” proverb.

“March comes in like a lion….”. ancient.

“March Madness” sports.

“March Hare”, Alice In Wonderland by  Lewis Carroll.

March Hare by Tim Burton

March Hare by John Tenniel

March Hare by Arthur Rackham

Wonderland by The Royal Winnipeg Ballet