Think roses are the obvious choice for Valentine’s Day? A Scilly-based flower farm would beg to differ.
In a blog entitled ‘Battle of the Flowers’, Zoe Julian sets out her case for scented narcissi as a Valentine’s gift to remember. Admitting her own bias as the co-owner of Scilly Flowers which operates from St Martin’s, she argues that the fragrance and delicate beauty of the islands’ winter grown crop far outweigh the advantages of most roses.
“Unlike a lot of commercial cut flowers, narcissi have been bred for their scent as a key characteristic,” said Zoe. “They are transported direct from where they are grown – negating the need for a complex supply chain and reducing costs. Growing them provides winter employment, helps maintain the natural environment and no additional heat or light is used to bring them on. Better still, they are different. If you want to stand out from the romantic crowd, forget the default option and say it with narcissi.”
Price as well as smell are certainly key factors. Roses – especially at this time of year – will lighten any lover’s purse considerably. A mega box of 100 freshly-picked, beautifully-perfumed narcissi delivered first class by Scilly Flowers, on the other hand, cost just £28.
Forget the War of the Roses. This is the battle of Valentine’s Day. Where does your allegiance lie? Read Zoe’s blog here to decide.