Why Flowers Bloom Longer on the Scilly Isles
The Scilly Isles have longer growing seasons, due to warmer weather. So there are many companies here that sell ‘summer flowers’ that often are still going, well into autumn!
Daffodils are one of England’s favourite flowers, often grown in gardens and public parks (not the best choice, as daffodils are highly toxic to all pets, horses, deer and livestock).
So don’t send them to homes with animal friends. Read more on pet-friendly gardens (and never face indoor foliage to gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows).
The Isles of Scilly (despite its high rate of shipwrecks on windy days) has a very mild winter climate, compared to the rest of England (it’s 23 miles off the Cornish coast). Commercial growers also use special techniques to extend the season, like selecting varieties for a long season, and leaving some bulbs in the ground for longer, for high quality crops.
The History of England’s Daffodils
Daffodils are seen as as sign of hope. But only display them away from other flowers, as the sap can harm other flower species). Or at least soak the stems in a vase, before mixing for a bouquet.
The national flower of Wales can produce galantamine, a chemical which may help patients with dementia.
The scientific name Narcissus, is from a Greek myth of a young man, who fell in love with his own reflection. After dying away due to not being able to ‘marry himself’, the flower apparently grew in the place where he died.
