Today would have been my Dad’s birthday, he was a wonderful Husband and Father. A man that loved God, Family and his Garden.
Family Memory Garden:
My Dad started this small garden under the Redbird trees. Since moving into the house we have added a bench and more flower bulbs
March flower: Daffodils :
My Dad has planted at least a hundred of these flowers around the yard. Every time they bloom I think of him.
Meaning:
- Daffodils are some of the first flowers we see in springtime and are a great indicator that winter is over.
- Because of this, they are seen to represent rebirth and new beginnings.
Planting:
Select high-quality daffodil bulbs that have not been dried out. The larger the bulb, the better.
Daffodils do best in full sun, though they will grow in partial shade.
They’re generally not picky about soil, but good drainage is key. They are susceptible to rot when kept too wet, so make sure that you plant them in a well-draining spot. Hillsides and raised beds work well. Otherwise, improve clay soil by amending (12 inches deep) with organic material such as well-rotted compost.
Slightly acidic soil is preferred, so you might need to add soil sulfur if you have alkaline soil.
Planting
- Plant the bulb with the top (pointy end) set about 2 to 3 times as deep as the bulb is tall. For example, the top of a 2-inch bulb should be about 4 inches in the ground, while a 3-inch bulb should be planted 5 to 6 inches deep.
- Where winters are severe, make sure there are at least 3 inches of soil covering the bulb.
- Daffodils will tolerate some crowding, but they prefer to be spaced about 3 to 6 inches apart.
- After daffodils bloom in the spring, allow the plants to grow until they die off. Do NOT cut down earlier. They need time after blooming to store energy in the bulbs for next year’s bloom.
- To remove the dead plants, either snip them off at the base, or twist the leaves while pulling lightly
Lisa s Everyday Life 