Friday 15 June 2012

Wind Trader



Did you know that wild Tulips have come from high up in the mountains of central Asia. They were cultivated by the people of Turkey in the year 1000AD.  By the 17th Century they were exported to Western Europe where not only were they used for medicinal purposes but laterally to decorate gardens in the Netherlands. By (1636-37) The tulips had become very fashionable and people of high status were prepared to pay a large price to have Tulips to decorate their gardens.

With the Tulip belonging to the bulb family, it became  much easier to produce more plants. The average man didn't take long, to realise the bulbs potential. These bulbs were expensive especially in the Netherlands, where the cost of a bulb could be as much as the price of a house. So the house, furniture and business were sold and their money invested. They supplied the wealthy people with these tulip bulbs, making a high profit for themselves.

"Wind Trader" was a name given to a large amount of bulbs which were still in the soil and were sold by their weight. The Tulips were available in many colours and laterally some had frilly petals. They became a status symbol meaning if you had them in your garden, then you must be very wealthy and rich indeed. Unfortunately, this was not to last for due to over production of the bulbs, prices began to drop and tulips lost their fame. The producers of the bulbs became bankrupt.

Since then Tulips have become more available not only as plants but cut flowers too. They look stunning on the centre of the dining table or on small table in the hallway. They have a way of showing themselves off in the simplest way.  Many of us have them around the house at the beginning of the year until late spring. They’re available in many colours and lend themselves to lots of different types of styles, including Bridal work, Reception arrangements and many others besides.