DAFFODILS
In 1971 - 1975 the Bickelhaupts started a group of Narcissus (daffodils) for early and long lasting color. Mt. Hood, King Alfred, Music Hall, Rosy Pink and Rosy Sunrise were the first plantings and were purchased from Kimberly Barn Nursery and Burpee Seed, locally For five years, 200 daffodils were planted, first by hand with a trowel and then a bulb planter. The memory Frances has is that it really was better with the trowel! They were easy to start and demanded very little maintenance and the placement was under the Malus (crabapple collection). Annually, on Earth Day there is a contest to guess the number of blooms: usually there are about 16,000 flowers. The hillside is vivid with the yellow and white colors and the deep golds add even more interest.
The fact that we do not mow about the flowers - and even let them naturalize and take energy in for next season - is a different approach for some visitors. Usually right after the Fourth of July the whole area is mowed and the grass returns to the site.
The plants spread, so occasionally we transplant them from the rogue ones who move under the Malus back into the open collections.
Recently we have been offered newer varieties (split cup and also Double cup) daffodils, which will be featured in the Spring of 2010 in the Country Garden.