Q: Please don’t tell us that you have gone into the amphibian business!
 

A: Heck no but “rana” which means little frog, is the first part of the word Ranunculus which is our topic this week.

 Q: Why is it called “little frog?”
 
 A:Because Ranunculous like to grow in very moist conditions.

   Q:  They resemble roses. Are they part of the rose family?.

 A: Great question. Although the blooms have paper-thin layers similar to rose petals, they are actually part of the buttercup family. We especially love that they come in a paint-box selection of amazing colors. We are excited about two new varieties that will be offering this spring. They are called the “La Belle” and “Amandine.” They have a great vase life and perform well in warmer climates. See a sneak preview in the second picture below.

   Q:  Are they available all year?

 A: We wish! We plant both new and previously-harvested bulbs in late fall. The first blooms are ready in late February and continue (if we are lucky) until the beginning of May. Even with a yield of 230,000 stems per week we still completely sell out. It’s a short but jam-packed season because we use them in many of our most beautiful spring bouquets.

   Q:  Why do we need to order so early?

 A: We need to get our frogs in order! By providing us with your orders in the fall we can tabulate how much to increase our planting so that we can fulfill every single order, come spring time. So, please do “hop to it” and contact your BDM to place your order today!

  The harvest begins!

 Our Master Grower, Todd Thornton holds the new “La Belle” variety.

 Close-ups of some lovely “La Belle’s” 

  A gorgeous array of wonderful colors. 

 An assortment of Ranunculus in pretty pastels.

 So stylish when placed in Mason Jars or……….

In a craft sleeve.