A Host Of Golden Daffodil's (Narcissus)

Member Name: debmercury

Product:	Narcissus
Date:	06/03/08 (259 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Sunny Cheering Flowers

Disadvantages: None

Daffodils for me are one of the first signs of spring and also they are hopefully a sign that the weather is warming up. As I am more of a Spring and Summer person the arrival of the first daffodils always cheers me up.

It's not hard to understand why they are so cheering coming in hundreds of shades of yellow, from burnt orange to pale creamy lemon.

They are also very hardy plants that seem to remain upright through many a spring shower and storm.

The daffodil is part of the narcissi family which has an amazing amount of varieties over 25,000.

They are named after Narcissus in Greek legend who is said to have fallen in love with his own reflection in a stream and stood transfixed until the gods intervened and turned him into a flower so he could stay by the stream forever. The daffodil grows wherever it is planted and returns year after year. Romans believed the sap had healing powers but the sap is actually an irritant.

Daffodil Facts

Medieval Arabs used the juice from the wild daffodil as a cure for baldness.

Poultry keepers once thought the daffodil unlucky and would not allow it in their homes as they believed it would stop their hens from laying or eggs from hatching.

The daffodil symbol is also used by the Marie Curie Cancer Trust as they believe it symbolises new hope and life.

The Prince of Wales is said to be paid one daffodil annually as rent for the unattended lands of Scilly, a great cultivator of the flower.

In the Victorian 'Language of Flowers' the narcissus symbolised chivalry, regard and unrequited love.

The old name for the flower was 'Affodyle' which is believed to have come from the old English 'Affo dyle' which means 'that which cometh early'.

Writers like Wordsworth love the daffodil and the inspiration it brings. These flowers have been writen about for centuries. The first known was the Greek Theophrastus in around 300 BC.

Daffodils can be bought as bulbs from garden centres and supermarkets. Planted out from August to September ideally in a sunny or light shade spot with well drained soil and should be planted about 4-7 inches deep flowers appear March to April. Can also be bought as a cut flower in bunches or ready for planting in pots.

Daffodils are very cheering flowers and very welcome after a cold and dull winter.

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Summary: A Garden Full Of Golden Daffodils