During Chinese New Year, Ken has continued a tradition he learned from his father.  He enjoys this annual hobby of carving Narcissus bulbs so that the plant is thought to look like crab claws.  Once a year Narcissus bulbs are available in Chinatown.  They come from China.  The narcissus is the Lunar New Year flower that is grown in the purest way.  It requires very clean containers, clear water and lots of sunlight.  The bulbs must be prepared and timed so that the blossoms appear at the beginning of the New Year period.  Ken carefully carves into the bulb and scars the shoots so that the leaves and blossom stems curl.  He has to carve carefully and accurately so the Narcissus blossoms are not accidentally injured.  This art of culturing Narcissus requires patience, diligence and time.  Click on the Narcissus blossom to see more details and the process of how it develops.