Sunday, April 6, 2008

Daffodils

As a kid I always loved Daffodils, as an adult they were so common place, I lost the wonder they evoked. You must admit a bloom doesn't get much more exotic. In more recent years, I have re-kindled my affection for them.



It started with receiving a crate of 300 destined for the garbage at seasons end where I worked. They were more than a little tired after a season of sitting on the shelf, where the inventory hadn't sold through. I planted them along my driveway, and they far exceeded any expectation I had for them.

They were a mixed assortment to begin with, filled out with odds, and ends that were leftover of the new, or more exotic varieties. I was delighted as each new flower emerged, I ended up with 32 different varieties, each a thing of beauty in it's own way. Like a class of kindergartners, or a litter of kittens, all a little different, and all as cute as they are individual.




The real beauty of Daffodils aside from the explosion of new forms, is that they are reliably deer resistant. In recent years this has become increasingly important.



These are a few of them blooming in my garden. These are early bloomers, the later flowering ones are still backstage waiting their turn to shine. If you plant a succession of early, mid, and late varieties you can extend the show over a couple of months. I am still looking forward to a few of my favorites.