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THE DAFFODILS

The Wordsworth Meadow is in full glory. The very first time I looked at this property, before I saw the interior of the house, I imagined this area flooded with sweeps of Daffodils “fluttering and dancing in the breeze.”

                                                                                

It was a privet and wisteria  jungle that took me months to clear. Then the planting began. the first autumn I ordered  500 bulbs recommended for the south.  The following year I planted more, but when spring arrived, only a fraction of the original planting returned. 

                                                                         

Does this look like 500 daffs? Today,this is what is left of the original planting.

                                                                         

Devastated, I thought my plan for this area would have to be abandoned untill I passed an old deserted homestead with a neat line of daffodils… big, fat,full clumps with many blooms. If these daffs could survive and INCREASE over the years….they were for me.

                                                                          

And so it began, sourcing,  digging, dividing and replanting.  Yes, I ALWAYS ASKED FOR PERMISSION.  I still regret those that were bulldozed to make way for a strip mall before I could find the owners.

                                                                                   

There are no words to describe the joy these bring every spring as I watch them multiply over the years.

Do you think it was worth the effort?

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A HOST OF GOLDEN DAFFODILS

“…A host, of golden daffodils…”                                                                        

“…beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.”

                                                                                                                                                                               

“They stretched in never-ending line………..”

                                                                                                                                                                            

“And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.”

                                                                        

My meadow… a landscape inspired by a poem.

To hear Jeremy Irons recite Wordsworth’s poem…  http://www.facebook.com/#!/BluestoneGarden

© All photos 2011

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THE MEADOW

The Meadow is located where the walk from the Circle of  Friends terminates on the south side. When I first saw this area I knew this would be where I could try “The English Thing’ with naturalized bulbs.

                                                                   

Since the foliage of the bulbs must be allowed to mature and the wildflowers must be allowed to ripen their seed, no mowing is allowed. Voila… a MEADOW! 

                                                                      

Totally delightful, easily sustainable, pollinator friendly …. a gift for living away from the city. I wish you could smell it after it gets it annual haircut.

Daffodils (Narcissus) in early spring followed by Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata) and Trilliums (Trillium cuneatum), and NOW  Spider lilies (lycoris radiata)!! 

                                                                        

© All photos & text 2010