December's Flower of the Month

Narcissus, commonly referred to as Paperwhites, are December's flower of the month.

Narcissus originated in Spain & Portugal. Cultivated for centuries, they became commercially important during the 1800s.

The name "Narcissus" comes from the Greek "narke" which refers to narcotic properties. Mythology claims that a handsome, "narcisstic" Greek youth was turned into a flower nodding at the water's edge so that he could see his own reflection since he was so absorbed with his own beauty.

These flowers are very fragrant! Unfortunately, most bulbs will only bloom once (they are too spent from the blooming; you can try to save them - it can't hurt) so enjoy your flowers!

Tulips

Tulip Tale: An early 17th century bill of sale recorded the following transaction for one single Tulip bulb:


Two loads of wheat
Four loads of rye
Four fat oxen
Eight fat swine
Twelve fat sheep
Two hogsheads of wine
Four barrels of beer
Two barrels of butter
1,000 pounds of cheese
A marriage bed with linens
A sizeable wagon to haul it all away.