Jaap Leenen, the biggest daffodil breeder in the Netherlands, is boasting of how seashells have revolutionised his blooms.

Leenen started growing daffodils in trays of seashells only two years ago to increase production to meet growing demand.

The shells are washed, before being placed onto a 2 metre (6ft 6in) square tray in a 5 cm (2 inch) thick layer, to anchor the bulbs.

This acts as a form of mulch - keeping bacteria, fungi and worms at bay, producing cleaner bulbs for pharmaceutical use and longer-lasting blooms, said Leenen.

The seashells also make it easier to control the temperature, water level and amount of nutrients fed to the plants, extending the planting and harvesting season.

This allows him to produce flowers all year round, with a better and longer vase life, with flowers also entirely free from disease and bacteria.

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