It seems spending two years living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana had more effect on my vocabulary than I'd previously thought. On filling this tiny vase (in reality a shot glass co-opted from my kitchen - don't worry, there's 11 more for booze) with miniature narcissi from my garden, the precise word that entered my head was "darlin'".
The daffs are at their peak at the moment, and it's a jolly sight after a dreary winter. By cutting a few to bring into the house, it puts a smile on my face every time I catch the blooms - one lot in front of the sink in the kitchen, and the one pictured in the bathroom - out of the corner of my eye.
It's also good to know that no one was exploited growing them.
The industry of growing cut flowers causes misery for poorly paid workers in many developing countries, including Kenya and Colombia. You can search out Fairtrade flowers, but I think I am simply going to try to grow my own and enjoy looking at my houseplants from now on.
The wild cornflowers and sunflowers I grew on the allotment last year were a big hit: this year I'll be branching out with some retro dahlias. They're the next big thing in flower fashion: remember, you heard it here first.
Not sure about daffs being at their peak as here in Essex only one or two of mine are showing anything which is a pity as I was supposed to be entering my first show on Saturday 19th March with some fabulous bulbs purchased last October.
If nothing flowers before then, it's back to the drawing board but next year will be different! I think this is an old gardner's saying!
Think you are right about Dahlia's as a number of people on the gardening course I have been attending (RHS General Certificate) have been saying same thing. Think I might wait until i get the basics on the daffs right first!
Posted by: bob | March 13, 2005 at 08:26 PM