With their bright yellow stars and golden trumpets, daffodils are a cheerful delight when visiting National Trust places as they welcome in the start of spring.
Resilient against the ever-changing British spring weather from sunshine to snow flurries, to April showers, daffodils can be spotted in gardens and parks across the UK from late February through to April. Their bright shades of yellow or in some cases white petals and orange trumpets are a symbol of spring and new beginnings, reliably flowering each year and providing an anticipation of warmer days to come.
But did you know they are not just a symbol of spring?
Daffodils are a member of the Amaryllidaceae family which also contains other familiar plants such as onions, garlic and snowdrops. They are often found on the banks of rivers and streams. Their botanical name ‘Narcissus’ is thought to be taken from Greek mythology and based on the story of Narcissus who fell in love with his reflection in the river.
The Romans are known to have planted narcissus in memory of loved ones or comrades fallen in battle. It’s likely they brought daffodils to Britain from the Iberian Peninsula, predominantly Spain and Portugal, where the largest variety of daffodil species are found.
There are around 36 species of daffodil and as they’ve been grown commercially since the 19th century, there are now more than 27,000 cultivated varieties of this beautiful ornamental plant.
Here are some of the best spots to enjoy a dazzling daffodil displays and cheerful walks this spring:
Belton Estate, Lincolnshire
Explore the Pleasure Grounds at Belton and get closer to nature via woodland paths that meander past unusual trees, water features, and follies. In early spring the grounds become carpeted in swathes of daffodils, pale yellow primroses, and delicate blue scilla. Wander up to the Fishing Lodge and discover a hidden golden glade before emerging into the Swiss Garden, recently planted with new spring bulbs. Help track how the gardens bloom by using the new fixed point photography locations and sharing photos with #BeltoninBloom. For a more in-depth experience, book on to a Daffodil Tour with our knowledgeable gardener Helen, and discover more about the collection of daffodils at Belton.
Plan your visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/belton-estate
Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens, Lincolnshire
Gunby hosts a rich abundance of daffodils, with a sea of spring bulbs bursting into bloom at this time of year. The front garden beds show off their impressive sunshine display of ‘Thalia’ daffodils. These daffodils are sympathetic to the bulbs planted in the 1920’s and 30’s, which would have graced the stalls at Covent Garden. Look out for different varieties of daffodils in the terracotta pots by the greenhouse and near the Stables.
Plan your visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/gunby-estate-hall-and-gardens
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