Living in France was a wonderful way for legendary chef Julia Child to indulge her love of food and flowers. With that in mind, I prepared this little quiz on French floral-related history and customs. See how much you know and then have something lovely to eat!
1. Decorating flowers with delicate beads has been popular in France for centuries. But it is thought to have started in another country. Is it:
A. Switzerland
B. Italy
C. Portugal
D. England
2. French tulips are known for their elegance. Why should you be careful when combining them (or any cut flower) with members of the narcissus family, such as daffodils?
A. Daffodils release sap that is harmful to other cut flowers so the daffs need to be “cleansed” by leaving them in water for 24 hours before combining with other blooms.
B. Daffodil pollen can be harmful to tulips.
C. Daffodils need to have water changed only once a week whereas tulips require a daily change.
D. Daffodils require shade and tulips don’t.
3. Paris is known for its flower markets. One of the most famous is in Place de la Madeleine, site of the classically inspired L’église de la Madeleine (Madeleine Church). Which arrondissement is that in?
A. 8th
B. 2nd
C. 9th
D. 10th
White flowers are often seen at French weddings. Is hydrangea a common choice?
4. The fleur-de-lis (a stylized lily) is a symbol of France, particularly French monarchs. With which city is it also associated?
A. Milan
B. Brussels
C. New Orleans
D. Florence
5. The acclaimed and hugely popular 1986 movie “Jean de Florette” (directed by Claude Berri, from the novel by Marcel Pagnol) is set in Provence. The character of Ugolin (Daniel Auteuil) plans to make money by selling which flower at the local market?
A. Roses
B. Daisies
C. Carnations
D. Sunflowers
6. Claude Monet (1840-1926) bought the land for his gardens (a flower garden and the Japanese-style water garden) in Giverny http://giverny.org/gardens in what year?
A. 1883
B. 1890
C. 1917
D. 1925
7. According to the Produce Marketing Association, France is the third-largest market for cut flowers in the European Union, and the fourth-largest EU importer of cut flowers and foliage. True or False?
8. In France, there is a tradition of guests bringing flowers to a wedding. In addition to roses, what is a popular floral choice of French brides?
A. Orchids
B. Hydrangea
C. Water lilies
D. Orange blossoms
ANSWERS
1. B. Italy, specifically Venice. The beads were often made of glass and were used in a variety of floral arrangements.
2. A. And, btw, tulips are thirsty flowers and need a daily water change, but all blooms benefit from having their water changed every 1-2 days.
3. A. The 8th arrondissement (administrative district).
4. D. Florence
5. C. Carnations
6. B. 1890
7. True. Major imports include roses (the most popular cut flower in France), tulips, orchids, chrysanthemums and carnations. The main suppliers are the Netherlands, followed by Italy and Spain.
8. D. Orange blossoms
