Skagit Valley's mild climate, evenly distributed rainfall and fertile farmlands provide an ideal environment for bulb growing, primarily daffodils, tulips and irises. The total amount of acreage devoted to bulb and flower growing in the Skagit Valley has increased greatly over the years, although it is now threatened by constantly encroaching development. In 1945, just 325 acres were planted with a value of approximately $300,000. By 1997, approximately 7,000 acres were used for bulb farming, with a value of $42 million.