A View of my Daffodil Border
When I moved to my farm in Bedford, one dream I had was to grow a major continuous swath of daffodils. With some planning and quite a bit of planting, that dream came true and every spring, I am so very happy. This bed begins at the southwest corner of the property and runs north along the length of Maple Avenue. There are approximately forty different varieties of daffodils planted here and when they are in full bloom, It is really quite breathtaking. The other day, I decided to pick one of each kind to share with you. Unfortunately, a few of the early bloomers have already passed. Please enjoy these photos!
A few of our favorite sources for daffodil bulbs:
Van Engelen
Brent and Becky's Bulbs
Dutch Bulbs
1 Daffodils make me so happy.
2 Standing at the southwest corner looking down the length of Maple Avenue
3 A genuine sea of blooms!
4 Further down along the border
5 The variety planted in this bare spot has not done well and will need to be replanted with another kind next autumn.
6 Taken from this angle, the border seems to go on forever.
7 Another view
8 And another
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Fabulous, Martha! I remember the photos from last year. It certainly makes a beautiful sight again this year. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: MMC in San Diego | April 20th, 2010 at 12:27 am
Those are some beautiful flowers. I have an old house place that has different kinds of Jonquils and they were planted before 1940, and are still going strong. I wish you could see mine.
I liked the appple trees from last week, also.
Gloria!!
Posted by: Gloria | April 20th, 2010 at 12:43 am
Thank you! Absolutely stunning.
Posted by: Karen | April 20th, 2010 at 1:05 am
There is no flower prettier and happier then the daffodil in my opinion....its my favorite. Thank you for sharing the photo's, hopefully ours will start waking up soon!!!
Posted by: Tilda | April 20th, 2010 at 1:42 am
Oh Martha!!! those images are beyond beautiful... that make me feel bad that I don't have a yard with beautiful flowers like yours!!! i am officially very jealous!!!
Posted by: Punctuation Mark | April 20th, 2010 at 2:18 am
Was Wordsworth happy when he wrote?
"For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils."
Dance on..
Posted by: ann | April 20th, 2010 at 2:26 am
The daffodils are wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing the pictures!
Posted by: Glenda | April 20th, 2010 at 3:05 am
Oh Martha,
how beautiful, nothing quite says Spring, as I live in Australia all of my bulbs are just peaking through can't wait.
Just love the photos.
Posted by: aussie gal | April 20th, 2010 at 4:48 am
It's official... I'm going to plant daffodils! They are such happy flowers!
Posted by: Lynn from For Love or Funny | April 20th, 2010 at 6:00 am
Martha,
The daffodils are beautiful. Do you think you could do a blog on how to care for daffodils once they have bloomed for the season? I know that they should be dead-headed, but what then? Thanks
Posted by: Diane Hunley | April 20th, 2010 at 7:06 am
So beautiful. Wish I lived closer so that I could take a drive by. Thanks for making your little corner of this planet a more beautiful place!
Posted by: Patti | April 20th, 2010 at 7:17 am
Martha, you have inspired me. Even I don't have a space as large as you to plant some daffodils in, I am going to make my own daffodil border. They are just breathtaking. Thank you for Sharing!
Posted by: Cathy | April 20th, 2010 at 7:42 am
These are beautiful. The photos remind me of Winterthur.
Posted by: Wayne M | April 20th, 2010 at 8:05 am
Loved your beautiful photos, what an amazing planting! Mine are a month early up here in Maine, for which I am so very happy this year. What do you
use for fertilizer? I've found that if they are in a too shady place, (after the
trees bud out) the blooms are not as large. Also planted some last spring that did flower this year! Do you really deadhead ALL those blossoms???
Posted by: Jan | April 20th, 2010 at 8:26 am
Absolutely stunning!
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | April 20th, 2010 at 8:40 am
That's what I love about you Martha: you have a vision, and you execute on it, beautifully. What I also love? You are absolutely willing to show the results that are not perfect (a bare spot in the border, a hive that failed) and acknowledge that it will have to be readdressed in the future. Love it! Thank you!
Posted by: Lisa | April 20th, 2010 at 8:45 am
Cool photographs. What type of background and lighting did you use for the solo pictures?
Posted by: Julia | April 20th, 2010 at 8:46 am
Border is so Beautiful! I have always wanted to do that, but have been concerned about what you do when the blooms are gone. Does it look bare? When the green dies away what do you do. That is what prevented me.
Posted by: Cheryl Anderson | April 20th, 2010 at 9:28 am
So beautiful! Wow, I would love to wake up and see those every morning but since that ain't going to happen, I borrowed picture #4 for my desk top. I like the view of the road and the stone wall. The single petal in picture #9 is pretty and it made me chuckle. I was oohing and aahing pictures 1 through 8 and then it was like 'boing', that one petal popped up in #9 and just made me grin. Thanks for sharing your happiness with us! Trish
Posted by: Trish | April 20th, 2010 at 9:41 am
Gorgeous! Thank you. And thank you Punctuation Mark for a timely reminder of Wordsworth.
Posted by: IowaCowgirl | April 20th, 2010 at 9:43 am
They make me happy too!
Posted by: Rhonda Fleming Hayes | April 20th, 2010 at 9:57 am
u take the ordinary and make it spectacular
Posted by: Charmayne | April 20th, 2010 at 10:28 am
The yellow ones are like having parts of the SUN on your farm, in your yard... . Martha, the SUN is a star too.
The whites one like SNOW FLAKES with many and each one almost unique like snow flakes. I have a certain urge for little cupcakes. Idea Martha: Daffodil Cupcakes on the next Martha... .
HANLEY WOOD JONES
Founded in 2010
Hanley Wood, LLC
Washington, DC
Chairman Stephen T. Jones
Posted by: Stephen Jones | April 20th, 2010 at 10:32 am
Absolutely breathtaking. I am particularly fond of white ones and plan to plant many at our new home come Fall...am really missing the Spring blossoms this year so thanks for sharing photos of yours.
Posted by: sherey | April 20th, 2010 at 10:35 am
Absolutely gorgeous! Those daffodils remind me of home and the beautiful Keukenhof in the Netherlands! Thank you for the pictures!
Posted by: frederique jennette | April 20th, 2010 at 11:23 am
After moving to Virginia from Arizona recently, I am so excited to plant bulbs like these! The sheer variety is thrilling.
I would love to know the details of how bulbs propagate and perhaps how to breed different varieties.
Posted by: Christa L. | April 20th, 2010 at 11:33 am
WOW...WOW...WOW
And what do you do with the beds when they are all done blooming?
Posted by: Julie | April 20th, 2010 at 11:58 am
God, what a farm! ♥
Posted by: Newtlco | April 20th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Who would know? Thank you!
Posted by: Teresa Touey | April 20th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
love daffodils and your bed is lovely.
I am trying to do the same, my grandmother has been planting them on her property for the last 30 years, and now my aunts plant thousands more every year, it is really spectacular
here are some pictures...
http://franklinschreiber.blogspot.com/2009_05_01_archive.html
Posted by: Sarah | April 20th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Martha,
So beautiful! How did they dig all those bulb holes with a small Bobcat? LOL
What is the variety of photo #13? Love the stripped petals.
I remember you tying the spent daffodil greens at the end of the season in small neat bundles!
Daffodils are like sunshine! I got many of mine from catalogs and White Flower Farm. They multiply like mad and the deer don't eat them!
Thanks for sharing..as always, beautiful photos.
Posted by: Paula M. :) | April 20th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
Happy, happy, happy...as your friend Emeril says. Masters of canvas have always taken inspiration from nature...your pictures of daffodils in many colours/shades shows us just why. I especially love the pics beginning with #9. When feeling blue just go to a botanical garden or stop to smell the roses or as i do smell flowers that i know have next to no scent but i love to get up close and personal with nature. Just go visit the flowers. They are smiling right back at you. Thanks Martha.
Posted by: http://twitter.com/Geotravel | April 20th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
This is my first Virginia Spring and was delighted by many of the same varieties of daffodils on the property where we are currently staying. The gardener who planted them must have delighted in them as well. They are even planted into the woods along pathways. They light the way with their bright blooms.
Posted by: Robin M Arnold | April 20th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
I especially love the single stem photographs you took. They are so evocative and quietly beautiful and would make a wonderful series of art photography framed and hung on any wall. A good thing for sure!
Posted by: ClaraAnne | April 20th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
What a cool thing to do! I had no idea there were so many different daffodils!
Posted by: Alyzabeth | April 20th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
What a lovely dream to have, and then see come true. Inspiring.
Posted by: Tiffany | April 20th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Is there is coffee table book of Martha's photos yet?! Yes please, sign me up!
Posted by: Wendy | April 20th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Wow, I had no idea there were so many kinds..They are beautiful, I think I need to increase my bulbs.
Posted by: Bernie Ornelas | April 20th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
How beautiful !!! Daffodils are my very favorite flower!!! I have many in my yard and keep planting more each year!!!! There are a sure sing of spring, just love it!!!
Posted by: Debbie Marcy | April 20th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Daffodils are my very favourite flower as they are so cheerful and make me happy. Your photos are beautiful and really brightened my day. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Greg Treehuba | April 20th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE those blooms... now if I could just get my act together and plant some of my own! Daffodil Cupcakes... not a bad idea for some tasty spring eats
Posted by: Pattie Simone | April 20th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Very pretty but a tad cool up here in Alberta for them.
Posted by: Larry | April 20th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
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Yes Ann none have said it better than Wordsworth of course he was speaking of wild ones in England's Lake District. My fav quote from 'The Daffodils' is "What wealth the show to me had brought:" My rhyme is a salute to Martha who enjoys so much love from all of us.
.
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Daffy Down Dilly
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For several springs, the many bulbs were planted.
"Genuine sea of blooms" is what Martha wanted.
They may shiver in the frost or tremble at dawning.
But yet they never fail to trumpet out good morning.
Ahoy to one and all can you feel it in your bones?
Spring is really here so sets the day's pace and tones.
All must forfeit a smile when faced with Nature's skill,
She rewards human prowess, makes happy those who will.
Down beside Maple Avenue, gently wafting in the breeze
A joyous gathering, a special attraction that's sure to please.
So many different color combas,a delight of bulbous roots,
Even trees look happy standing in their carpet of these beauts.
A close-up reveals distinct differences in the flowers,
Tall slender leaves that carry a drink from the showers:
White on white yellow on yellow, some show a little coy,
So pretty and gentle, unassuming and bringing such joy;
A tri-headed daffodil by next spring its bulb will be cubed.
Elongated and pointed petals surrounding little tubes,
Ineresting variegated center and a multi-bunda white;
Yellow paling to white all waiting for the moon and night,
My favorite is the double center; it's warm like a wild rose
Yellow on yellow,last but not least, a vase for all who pose.
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All in fun - if only one person smiles i'm happy
.
Posted by: celia stock | April 20th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Makes me happy too! I have a problem with my daffodils. They only bloom the first, maybe second spring after they're planted. After that, it's all green stems and no buds. I put bonemeal down with the bulbs when I plant them. Can someone help me?
Posted by: Lori Lyons | April 20th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Have you ever made canned cake? It keeps on the shelf indefinitely. I make them for Christmas presents.
Posted by: Cathy O'Bryen-Schultz | April 20th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
daffodils are the epitome of early spring.....along with my gorgeous forsythia, of course. thanks for sharing, martha.
Posted by: Janet Scoggan | April 20th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
" a host of golden daffodils' can be seen all over Ireland at present.
Posted by: sylvia duffy | April 20th, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Martha, I want to be you!!!
Posted by: Suzanne McClure | April 20th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Beautiful! I just love dafodills!!
Posted by: twylia | April 20th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
lovely.....they are the flowers I miss the most over here in AZ....however in Wickenburg a front yard was full of them and tulips....they get enough chill....we do not...
Posted by: shelley | April 20th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
Those daffodils took my breath away!! What a beautiful border and such a varity. All just wonderful colors. Thanks for sharing those photo's.
Posted by: Libbygirl | April 20th, 2010 at 5:52 pm
Don't you just LOVE Spring? The beauty that springs up every year is like getting surprise gifts all throughout your private yard as well as your community! Thank you again for taking the time to share~
Posted by: Sheri | April 20th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Martha~
The daffodils are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing the pictures with us.
Posted by: Robyn | April 20th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Nice selection of daffodils! Looks sort of like mine, however, I try not to combine them together but section out for bloom times. Wondering what was the name of picture#13? I haven't seen that one, I don't think and would love to add that one to my daffodil collection! Have a nice day!
Posted by: Tamara | April 20th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
You are my daffodil!
Posted by: Dr Rand Pink | April 20th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
Hi Martha, Your daffodil border on your beautiful farm is absolutely stunning! I love every one of your photos and my favorite one was the vase showing all of the different types. I had no idea that there were that many different types and I have only seen a few of them over the years. I love that Francesca and Sharkey went out and collected every variety to make a bouquet just for you! They are not only very intelligent, but very loving, also! My little Dudley Do Right loves everything that the girls do. He wants me to hurry up and go over to their blog so he can tell them how much he loves what they do. Love, Jan & DDR
Posted by: Jan Erickson | April 20th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Breath taking beauty......you never fail to give me peace and a restful evening when you post photos of nature in all seasons of beauty and calm.Thank you for that.
Posted by: Sylvia | April 20th, 2010 at 10:54 pm
Celia, has been said that Wordsworth's sister, Dorothy wrote in her journal "When we were in the woods beyond Gowbarrow park we saw a few daffodils close to the water side. We fancied that the lake had floated the bulbs ashore and that the little colony had so sprung up. But as we went along there were more and yet more and at last under the boughs of the trees, we saw that there was a long belt of them along the shore, about the breadth of a country turnpike road. I never saw daffodils so beautiful they grew among the mossy stones about and about them, some rested their heads upon these stones as on a pillow for weariness and the rest tossed and reeled and danced and seemed as if they verily laughed with the wind that blew upon them over the lake, they looked so gay ever glancing ever changing."William was impressed by the daffodils too, but did not write about them until later in I WONDERED LONELY AS A CLOUD published in 1807.
Posted by: ann | April 20th, 2010 at 10:56 pm
My grandfather planted a border of daffodil for my grandmother. It was beautiful. Later when they were much older and she was in a nursing home my grandfather would bring her bouquets from that blooming daffodil border. I always think of that when I see daffodils. I hope your border brings you as much joy and love.
Posted by: jill Wilks | April 21st, 2010 at 8:59 am
All the many daffodils are simply exquisite, Martha! Daffodils are my most favorite springtime flower. Like you, I covet (well, you actually HAVE them! [giggle] ) one of every type and color!
~
I remember when you were planting these, and I'm so very glad you shared them with us. They would bring me immense joy as well, if I got to view them everyday (and know they were m-i-n-e!)
~
Lots of love, Martha,
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | April 21st, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Hello Martha, Daffodils Rock!
Rabbits leave them alone, which is why they are my spring time fave, next to lilacs.
As I tell my friends you and I are like sisters, and talk all the time.
At the clinic, where I work, whenever a question comes up about a menu, a craft idea, or whatever, I always say,..."Go on line and ask my sister, Martha." She has done the research, and has the perfect answer! Mhmm!
Posted by: pat lightbody | April 21st, 2010 at 10:50 pm
I can see why so many daffodils have drawn such a large batch of comments. I would love to know whether these were planted year by year or in one vast fell swoop.
The photo gallery against the grey background works with a zen purity. Is there any chance of finding out the cultivar names?
Last week I woke to a cross man on the radio complaining about daffodils planted out in the countryside. The worst sort of cantankerous englishness!
Posted by: Catharine Howard | April 22nd, 2010 at 11:16 am
The daffodils are absolutely gorgeous Martha. Thank you so much for sharing again.
Posted by: Michelle | April 22nd, 2010 at 11:57 am
Dear Martha,
Just viewed your beauty of daffodils.
Am missing all of springs awakenings this season following an accident and being indoors nearly all of the time.
Love flowers and since I'm missing mine, find joy in your daffodil post. Being on-line is even difficult, but today is possible.
You no idea how your sharing can bring an uplifting spirit to someones day.
Hope yours is a good one.
Becky
Posted by: Becky Kuchefski | April 22nd, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Dear Martha, I am such a big fan of yours, loving you through my friend Hannah Millman. I Just wanted to be sure someone told you what a good good daughter you were, and in spite of all the sarcasm (and every mother gets her share) what a terrific Mom you are as well. Happy Mother's Day to you, my friends. There are millions of mothers who will have you to thank for a hand made mother's day card this year, and I think you are one great mom among those millions. Best love, Mallory (from Maine)
Posted by: Mallory Marshall | April 22nd, 2010 at 2:20 pm
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The daffodils....!
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.... and pretty dittie rhyme time submissions here remind me of my mother.
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She, in her elder years, loved to rhyme words on paper. Her favorite rhyme was a tribute to her back yard daffodils. This poem of hers was read at her memorial service some years ago where churchgoers applauded the 86 year old's singing out to 'yellow bells of God's grandeur!'
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I'm sure she's visited your yard to applaud you, and sing a rhyme or two over your million bright brillions in golds and vermillions!
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Posted by: andreaandweims on twitter | April 23rd, 2010 at 3:37 pm
White daffodils are my favorite flowers. And you have so many! Do you have time to enjoy all of them?
Posted by: Ada Teicu | April 24th, 2010 at 12:24 pm