With the arrival of March, I thought I’d share a post dedicated to a love of daffodils, one of my favourite flowers.
Around the globe
The botanical name for the daffodil is Narcissus, named after a young man known for his beauty in Greek mythology who was tricked into falling in love with his own reflection. The drooping flowers of most daffodils are said to represent Narcissus bending over to catch his reflection in a pool of water.*
(* source – National Trust)
In Japan, daffodils symbolise joy and mirth. In France, they signify hope. And here in the UK, daffodils are the flower for the month of March, heralding the arrival of spring. We have the Romans to thank for introducing them to Britain.
It seems then that this iconic flower has universal appeal. And, let’s be honest, it’s hard not to feel a little cheered up by the sight of a swathe of daffodils swaying in the spring breeze. Especially, this year, when the winter months have been full of eventful weather and even more eventful news.
In my garden
Back in my own little plot, my love of daffodils continues. I grow mine in pots. Some of the varieties I grow are Narcissus Minnow, Yellow Cheerfulness, Bridal Charm and Narcissus double replete. There are many more, but to be honest, I’ve lost track at this stage.
And therein lies the charm of the daffodil. There are so many shades of yellow, white and cream to choose from, they are scented and non scented, there are tall varieties and miniatures. The choice is endless !
Right now, I have daffodils at all stages – some about to flower, others just emerging above the soil. But soon enough, there will be a swathe of spring yellow at my front door.
Last autumn I decided to repot all the bulbs as they had become a little congested and I didn’t get as many flowers as I’d hoped for last spring. To be fair, it was a real labour of love and a messy affair at that. But I persevered and I hope I’ll be rewarded with even more flowers this year.
Daffodil love
Just some of the bulbs I removed from pots !
Daffodils in my garden over the years
More daffodil love
If the hundreds of daffodil bulbs weren’t enough, I’ve also treated myself to a new book on the subject. It’s called ‘Daffodils:Beautiful varieties for Home and Garden‘.
Written by the journalist and author Naomi Slade and with photography by Georgianna Lane, this promises to be a beautiful book, full of information and tips on all things daffodils !
Due for UK publication this month, you can find out more information here.
New greetings cards
Finally, I thought I’d also briefly mention my new daffodil greetings cards, sold as a set of 4 and featuring daffodils in bloom at the wonderful Palm House at Belfast Botanic Gardens.
They combine one of my favourite flowers in one of my all time favourite places to visit. I’ve really enjoyed the process of creating this set of cards. And, if I say so myself, I think they make lovely cards for birthdays, to say thank you, or as a complete set to gift for Mother’s Day.
You can find them for sale in my shop or just click this link – Set of 4 daffodil greetings cards. Shipping is free in the UK.
One of the greetings cards
A final word on daffs
Well, hopefully by now I’ve convinced you enough to find a little space for some daffs in your own garden. They are so easy to grow and make a great cut flower to pop in vases or add to spring posies. I’ve also added some links at the end of this post that you may find useful.
For now though, thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a lovely March. Is is starting to feel a little more like spring where you are ?
Paula
Useful links
https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-daffodils/
Daffodil hunt: The search for rare flowers lost from history – BBC News
Beautiful daffodils! They bring the sunshine into the garden! 🌞
They really do. I hope you are keeping well Ashley.
So pretty….I sure hope spring decides to come soon…we are tired of the snow !!!
I just seen your pictures ! That’s crazy.
Beautiful photos! I love daffodils too – they feel like a promise of warm, sunny days ahead.
Aw thank you. Fingers crossed we get some warm, sunny days soon !
Love that first photo through the glass. I saw my first daffodils in flower yesterday – so often overlooked but beautiful.
Yes, the first daffodil appeared in my garden yesterday too. Hopefully many more to follow. I think you’re right. I think they are overlooked which is a pity !
Such a lovely, informative post. The older I get, the more I appreciate spring and daffodils in particular. I don’t tend to have many yellow flowers in the garden but daffodils are so bright and cheerful after the dreary winter. I’ll definitely be planting more. X
Yes, same here. Typically I’m not a fan of yellow but I make an exception for daffodils!