She also has a sister ‘Irene’ (Mary not Sue!), the same delicate double, but white with yellow not white with red, so well worth investing in the siblings for a bit of heritage horticulture.


Not only are they a thing of beauty, but daffodils are also at the forefront of medical advancement, being used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s due to the galantamine contained within the plants, a substance also found in snowdrops (Galanthus).


If you fancy venturing a little further than home soil, then Hever Castle in Kent is hosting ‘Dazzling Daffodils’ between 13th & 19th March, with around 70,000 daffodils on display. Previous resident William Waldorf Astor was known to be a fan of the flower and many were planted in his time at the estate, with the current garden team continuing yearly planting to enhance the digni- fied display. The fields of Cornwall and Lincolnshire also turn a golden hue at this time of year with suppliers’ stock showing off in the spring sunshine. I spent a glorious day at Taylors Bulbs in Holbeach last spring, along with Mary Berry and a captivating carpet of daffodils – botanical (and cookery) bliss!


For competitions and shows teaming with award winning blooms, the RHS Daffodil Competition takes place on the 11th/12th March at RHS Garden Rosemoor, neighbouring Droitwich Spa & District Horticultural Society get together on the 18th March and Cheltenham Horticultural Society will be displaying their spring best at The Pittville Pump Room on the 2nd April.


If you’re in search of a bloom which lasts year-round, then head to Ten Thousand Daffodils online where you can purchase your own ceramic daffodil – it is part of an instillation at Lowther Castle in Cumbria which runs from April 24th-June 24th. The campaign has taken inspiration from the poppies at the Tower of London and is hoping to raise £300,000 for six worthwhile charities. Daffodils cost £25 each and can be pre- ordered from 1st March. https://lowthercastle.org


So whether petalled or pottery, may your gardens and days be filled with the nicest of Narcissus!


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