Spring Bulbs are breaking out all over!
Planted nearly eight years ago around the Vegetable Garden the many daffodil cultivars have swelled their numbers to 10,000. This is a show not to be missed!
The first picture that comes to mind is daffodils or jonquils, common names for the genus Narcissus. The Classical Greek name derived possibly from narke (numbness or torpor), due to the narcotic properties, but mythologically associated with the beautiful youth Narcissus who, upon gazing in a pool, fell in love with his own reflection and was transformed into a nodding flower. Gardeners usually associate daffodils with the large trumpet shape and Narcissus with several small, fragrant flowers per stem, commonly called paper whites.
In tribute to Gardens members Lyles and Geraldine Pember for their 60th wedding anniversary, their children Debra and Kent donated 1000 daffodils to the Gardens. At the top of the North Trail this amazing collection blooms early through late Spring welcoming visitors to the Gardens.
The cutest of all the daffodils are Narcissus bulbocodium, Hoop Petticoat Daffodil with its grass like leaves with bright yellow goblets. The whole plant is a petite ten to fifteen inches and multiplies before you can say Narcissus bulbocodium. These plants are performing with vigor on the drive into the Garden and in front of the Gardens Store.
There is a Mediterranean Bulb Collection planted along the walkway to the old entrance, and in the Mediterranean Garden. Throughout the Spring the collection will be showing off, so be sure to look for the labels Scilla peruviana, Moraea aristata,and Lachenalia, Kniphofia, Ixia, Sparaxis, Iris, Oxalis. Plus the California bulbs, Triteleia, Polygonatum ,Brodiaea, Calocortus, Camassia, Dicentra, and Maianthemum, all of which will be making their Spring appearance, and stop by the Nursery to see what our Nursery Manager Janet has available for you to take home.