A Daffodil Turning Point
When historians write about our garden, clearly they will divide my work with Daffodils into two periods: BC (Before Colorblends) and CE (Colorblends Era).
The pivotal event in the transition between these two epochs was the arrival last fall of two sacks, each containing 100 free Daffodil bulbs. This bounty was swag from the 2016 Garden Bloggers Fling, courtesy of the bulb wholesalers Colorblends (since Judy and I were both participants, we got twice as much).
In prior posts I’ve told the sad story of how I lost a majority of these bulbs trying to overwinter them in containers. However, I planted about 80 in the parkway, and these have just reached peak bloom.
In the BC period, I generally planted patches of Daffodils in groups of about 20.
This spring’s parkway Daffodils have brought back to me one of those basic rules of gardening that I tend to forget: if 20 Daffodils are good, 80 are much, much better. The larger number of bulbs increases the impact of the planting exponentially.
The dog walkers, young families, and other neighborhood passersby are loving all the new Daffodils, and I confess that I enjoy the compliments.
Of course, Judy and I are going to the 2017 Garden Bloggers Fling in DC. Highly placed sources tell me that participants will receive another coupon for free bulbs.
I’m already making plans for using my next 200 Daffodils. I’d say I could fit another 80+ into the Parkway, and there are a few other places where I can squeeze in a dozen or two.
We’ll probably also make another run at growing them in pots, though this time I’ll be much more careful with drainage.
We might even give some away. I don’t want the historians to say that I was selfish.
gardeninacity 
Daffodils are always so jolly. It is good to know that spring is finally with you.
Yes it is!
Anyone passing by your house must be so impressed, spring has certainly arrived with you, enjoy!
We are definitely taking a lot of pleasure in the garden right now.
🙂
It must be fun to walk past your house and see what’s in bloom. That is quite “a host of daffodils”.
Quite a crowd, as well!
Any ideas on why a clump of daffs would suddenly produce no flowers?
Huh. Maybe needs to be dug up and separated?
You have some really nice daffs. No wonder your neighbors are enjoying them. They are so cheerful after a harsh winter.
They are indeed.
So lovely and jaunty!
Jaunty seems appropriate for spring.
Absolutely lovely. That first photo with the combination of plants is an eye-catcher.
Thank you!
I was in and out of Chicago Midway this weekend for a convention in nearby Indiana and it was exciting to see early spring again…redbud and crab apple trees in full bloom and lots of gorgeous daffodils and tulips…what a knockout tulip display at the airport! I’m sad I’ll miss the bloggers fling again this year:^
Yes, Chicago goes all out to beautify around the airports and downtown. Judy and I will miss you in DC.
Marian, I’m just wondering if my comments are going into your spam folder. Seems to be happening with a lot of blogs.
I’ll have to try Colorblends! I have their catalog. Yours look beautiful!
Thanks!
What a terrific mix and how nice that others can share them via your planting location.
As a gardener, I’m a little bit of a showoff.
Beautiful.
Thanks!
You make me feel like spring is just around the corner…and coming again. A grand success.
Wouldn’t it be great to do two springs?
Let’s do it! You first.
How lovely! I did enjoy the different varieties. I’ll happily take those bulbs off your hands!!! I can see why folk enjoy walking past your garden, and yes, compliments are always great!!!xxx
I’m a glutton for them!
Masses of flowers always seem to have a greater impact.
That was a nice gift!
Better than nice!
Lovely photos, especially the first few where the sun is shining on daffodils…just a joy You have inspired me to put a few more in for spring…in the front garden!
The only thing better than a few more daffodils is a lot more daffodils.
One can never have too many daffodils.
Agreed!
Wonderful! That fabulous display is bound to go down in history Jason, and I agree – the more the better!
It should definitely get at least its own chapter.
Oh, yes, they are amazing! I even planted some in places I’d forgotten about until I started seeing them popping up here and there. Such a wonderful gift from Colorblends. 🙂
Can’t wait to get this year’s!
Hello Jason, it’s only worth planting bulbs in the hundreds, I feel, for a really stunning impact the next season and the daffodils you planted certainly give that. I love the mix as you never know what you’re going to get.
I think you make a very solid argument, Sunil.
There is always room for more daffodils! They are very beautiful alone, but stunning in numbers.
Exactly. The more, the merrier.
BC and CE 😂😂😂😂