Daffodils

Q: How can I leave spring bulbs--such as ranunculus, dutch iris, and daffodils--in the ground all year without having them rot from the watering of summer annuals? Too, when I plant over bulbs, I seem to chop many of the bulbs in the process. Any suggestions? A: In my opinion, ranunculus tubers are the finest bulbs that we can grow in Southern California. However, they do rot if left in the garden, and even if removed, they seldom perform well in the second and succeeding years.

The American Cancer Society is seeking people to help deliver daffodils to cancer patients during its Daffodil Days Campaign. Volunteers are needed to distribute flower orders, promote sales, help plan delivery routes, arrange bouquets and flower baskets and help with deliveries on March 15-16. The deadline for ordering daffodils is Feb. 26. For more information, call the San Fernando office at (818) 905-7766 or the Santa Clarita office at (805) 298-0886 or (800) 227-2345 .

The local American Cancer Society recently raised $227,500 for cancer programs. More than 135,500 daffodils were sold during the 14th annual Daffodil Days event last month. The fund-raiser collected close to $60,000 more than last year. The money will be spent locally for research, education and patient service programs. The daffodil is used because it is the first flower of spring, and with spring comes the hope of a world free of cancer.

I about fell off my chair when I saw the "Weekend Escape" about my hometown, Puyallup, Wash. ("Near Seattle, Gold at the Rainbow's End," April 6). I worked at the Van Lierop Bulb Farm as a teenager and grew to love the different varieties of daffodils, tulips and iris. The cities of Tacoma, Puyallup and Sumner enjoy a Daffodil Festival each year, and although they're nowhere near as lavish as the Rose Festival, it's fun to see the pretty yellow-and-green floats and hear the bands from the schools around the area.

Buy a daffodil, help a cancer patient. The American Cancer Society in Orange County is now accepting orders for its 10th annual Daffodil Days, with the proceeds going to research and education about the disease. "They are the flower of hope for cancer patients," said Jennifer Guenette, a spokeswoman for the cancer society. "Buy them and you'll be helping out with a great cause." Though Daffodil Days doesn't take place until the week of March 20, Guenette urges placing orders now.