Daffodils in the Landscape

Feb 28, 2012

by: Anna Smith Comments: 4

In every design project I work on I enjoy placing focal points.

Two of the questions I ask myself in the design process are “Does this entry reflect the personal tastes and style of the client? Is it inviting?”

In my own case I have a love of old garden implements that have character, and I have incorporated an antique wheelbarrow into the approach to my house. I love it’s cheerful demeanor as it displays seasonal flowers to greet our guests. It is viewed from the kitchen window as well, and from my mother-in laws apartment, so it is in a highly visible location.

Imagine my delight as I went outside to observe the effects of last night’s snowfall, and spied the first blooming daffodil of the season.

An opportunity to run and get the camera presented itself immediately! As I was snapping pics of that little brave flower with frost dripping off it I began thinking about my philosophy about daffodils in the landscape.

Whats not to like about an early blooming flower that resists gophers and deer?

These garden workhorses even reproduce themselves to become large drifts of blossoms that last for about a month in my landscape. That brings me to a point that many people do not take into consideration when siting them. After their bloom time is over the foliage has to “ripen”, which means that it needs to be allowed to turn brown. This process is important for the future of the plants. As the leaves are turning brown they are storing energy in the bulb for future flowering and reproduction. For this reason I place Daffodils in areas that are far enough away from the house that the ripening foliage is not unsightly and in my face. As I stroll down the paths in my garden I enjoy the blooms and their sweet fragrance, even cutting many to enjoy in a vase. However, they are camouflaged by surrounding plants so that the drying foliage is not an issue.

I also have many pots of daffodils, and of course my wheelbarrow. These are easily moved from view to an out of the way place to allow the foliage to ripen.

In this way I can rotate my garden focal points, so as not to overwhelm my entry with too many things to look at. And for a month or so in early spring I get to enjoy that shot of yellow that makes me smile as I walk to the front door.

I would love to hear from you about the ways you have successfully incorporated daffodils in your landscape. Feel free to leave a comment and share your experiences!

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About Author Anna Smith
Terre Verte Landscape Design began in 2003 while Master Gardener Anna Smith was the staff horticulturist for Kern Counties only botanical garden, Mourning Cloak Ranch. Read More
  • Christine

    Anna  ,  You  never fail to Amaze me  with your many  talents  , Your  Designs are  incredible 
    God given  with your magic Touch  always creates  such magnificent  Beauty in your  own yard 
    as well  as all your clients. Adding your Artistic  touch is the icing on the Cake. Thank you 
    Anna  for sharing , It is an honor  to be  close to this..  Christine  

  • Jeff & Carol Williams

    Living in the outskirts of Portland Or (Beaverton) we have over a hundred daffodils defining our yard. It is our first flower to bloom and always bring a big smile as “the ladies stand tall”. They are the entry to spring, soon to be followed by Azalea’s and Rhododendron’s. The annual cycle gives new life each and every year.

    Jeff & Carol Williams

  • Smithmomof4

    I only wish Daffodils liked the coast more!  Is it because our climate here is not cold enough or the soil I have them in? I was first introduced to them in New Zealand where they grew in bunches on the slopping grass outside my flat.  They bring back such good memories of my first spring (our fall) there.

  • terrevertelandscape

    Daffodils usually require a certain amount of chill to be grown successfully. That said, I think you should talk to your local nursery to find out which types may flourish in your area. There are varieties that can thrive without as much cold, so choosing the right varieties for your location may be the difference between success and failure. Good luck at the coast, and keep me posted on the outcome!