From the tiny Tete e Tete to the gigantic yellow trumpets … I have always loved daffodils. They scream spring!!
Daffodils are perennial, increase eagerly and are wonderfully deer and rodent proof.
Four years ago they became even more important to me. We lost a beloved family member on March 19, just as the daffodils were blooming. Uncle Tony (Mr. G’s brother) heroically battled cancer for 20 years. At 49 years of age, it was much too early to lose him. Uncle Tony was a rare and special person … extremely creative, rock solid in his faith, a lover of people, a gardener AND a lover of spring & daffodils.
Just before his death when we were visiting with him, he mentioned wanting to get out in his garden and in par
ticular wanted to see the daffodils blooming. That did not happen.
In the fall of that year, I individually wrapped hundreds of daffodils in burlap, tied them with a jute bow and gave them away to anyone who wanted to plant daffodils in Tony’s memory and so many did!
Each year people give me reports on Tony’s daffodils and I know he is remembered.
He was just too special to forget.
Here are a couple of favorite family pictures….
So many of our family memories are tied to plants and gardening. Here are a couple of other posts about family members and gardens…
From Ordinary to Extraordinary
Do you have plants that hold special memories for you?
When I finally bought my first single family home in 2001, I contacted the owner of the home where I was born, and she dug dozens of heirloom peonies for me to plant here in Virginia. They thrive in this climate and as I cut 300 + stems for market each May, I think fondly of my early life and times on Long Island.
Diane, What a wonderful story! I love that! I can’t wait to see pictures of your peonies! When will they start blooming?
If you type peonies into the search bar on my blog, you will see my peonies. May is a nice time here and this year I will add G2B13 to the fun roster.
Such a nice way to remember a loved one. You can dye fabric with daffies. Comes out a pale yellow. They are so cheerful, how can a person be sad when they see one.
That is so true Susan … They do make us happy. Great tip on how to use as dye! Have a wonderful day!
Sorry to hear of your loss! What a lovely way to remember someone. I’m sure the daffodils will do well with all that love inside them.
You are right about the love!! Happy spring!
What a lovely way to remember your Uncle Tony! I’m sure those daffodils bring happiness to all who planted them. As you know wildflowers remind me of my Dad. But he was also with me to help prepare my roses the year I won Queen of the Show. That is a memory I will treasure forever.
I am so glad for that special rose memory. I’m sure he was so proud of you. I love ALL your dad stories … Thanks for sharing so many of them with us.