SPRING has unofficially sprung, and that means Daffodils are popping up both in gardens and in shops.
The bright flower usually marks the end of winter but it also poses a risk to both you and other plants.
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David Deyner, Elforist’s flower expert, has issued a warning to Brits who plan to have the popular flower in their home, reports the Mirror.
He revealed that Daffodils can potentially kill other flowers and also trigger skin irritation.
The pro explained that the flower emits a “sticky sap” when cut at the bottoms of their stems.
This is substance is actually toxic to both plants and humans.
David recommends wearing gloves when handling cut Daffodils to prevent getting a rash forming on your skin.
He broke down how the flowers are “soft-stemmed”, meaning they should be cut straight across the stem and not at a 45-degree angle.
“While Daffodils look beautiful on their own, mixing them with other flowers is an easy way to brighten up a room and create depth to your bouquet,” David said.
However, there is a specific method to follow if you’re creating your own arrangement.
“So to do this, simply place your cut Daffodils in some water for a few hours and allow the sap to drain before adding them to an arrangement of other flowers. That’s it.”
Once you’ve carried out this step, you won’t have to worry about isolating your Daffodils.
In fact, you can even cut the stems and change the water of your bouquet without further worry.
“The initial draining and isolation should do the trick,” David explained.
Daffodil sap contains calcium oxalate crystals, which is what leads to irritant contact dermatitis on the skin.
If your skin becomes irritated after contact with this sap, there’s a simple solution.
You should first wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
Next, apply a cool compress and consider using over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion.
David also recommended keeping your Daffodils in shallow water and changing it every couple of days.
Overwatering your Daffodils can cause the bulbs to rot, which will make the leaves yellow and wilt.
Top 5 Spring Gardening Jobs
Nick Grey, Gtech Inventor and CEO shared the tasks to crack on with as Spring arrives.
1. Clean your garden
Make sure to clear away all leaves, soil and plant debris from your patios and flower beds; this creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as we get into the summer months. Gtech’s Garden Safety Kit includes durable gardening gloves and safety glasses; perfect for comfortability whilst tackling those outdoor tasks.
2. Weeding
Early Spring is the best time to tackle weeds; if you can introduce some regular weeding into your routine, you can guarantee a tidy garden all year round.
3. Hedge maintenance
Spring is the ideal time to tidy up overgrown hedges and shrubs, as regular trimming ensures healthy growth and reduces pest issues. Using a tool like the Gtech Lightweight Hedge Trimmer can help to keep your greenery looking sharp and neat.
4. Composting
Starting a compost heap this spring is a pro-active, cost-effective way to harness nutritious soil for your plants and recycle organic waste that will benefit the overall health of your greenery and foliage.
5. Look after your lawn
Lawn care is hugely important in assuring your garden stays looking beautiful. Make sure to rake away any excess leaves and trim your grass routinely.
This can kill the bloom of the flower altogether.
According to the expert, if you follow these simple tips you can enjoy a vibrant floral display for over a week.
Another pro revealed the best tips for prolonging the life of your Daffodils.
And if you’re growing your own plants, be careful not to add this banned item to your flowerbeds.
Another plant can save you hours of pulling up weeds in your garden.
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