Daffodil Ammends and an Ode to a Tulip

I had never been a huge fan of spring narcissus...otherwise known as daffodils.  Maybe it was the bright color yellow (which has not been one of my favorites), or the association with the sniffles and sneezing that often signaled the beginning of spring for me.  Perhaps I grew bored with them.  I always knew that there were a range of different varieties, shapes and colors, but for some reason, I never really gave them a fair chance.

Of course, I would plant Easter gifts of mini daffodils each season, but always forgot where I had planted them.  Last year, to try and remedy my detached relationship with the ever so loved bulb, I bought a bag of white daffodils and planted them though out my perennial beds.  When they appeared, I felt a twinge of excitement.  They were cute and cheery and a little bit different from other types that I had seen.

I moved to a new house and garden during the winter, so I had seen the landscaping in late summer/fall, but never really had the opportunity to inspect the subtleties of the plant life.  Of course I brought many of my own valued plants, ones that I had added to my collection and wanted to introduce into the new setting.  With the coming of spring, and a brand new garden, there were so many lovely surprises that I was welcomed with each day.

The collection of daffodils was one of these surprises.  Everyday, I would walk around the yard and noticed daffodil varieties that I had never seen before.  Each bunch appeared gradually, like a wave coming on to the beach and leaving a trace of water behind in the sand.  I had planted one or two packs of bulbs in the fall, but back then had no idea about the collection that I was adding on to. 

This one below is one of my new all time favorites...despite it's yellow color (wink wink).  It has a flower as detailed as a peony and smells so fragrant and sweet.  The flowers are so heavy that they needed to be supported in wet weather to keep their pretty little heads out of the mulch beds.

The creamy yellow small ones, and little white ones looked like they belonged in some kind of dewy fairy world.

Varieties with two tones were spectacular, fading from one color to another, or bright colored center against yellow or white petals.  Others sported multiple layers and ruffles adding complexity to their  beauty.  They were planted in clumps, with different varieties positioned next to one another, which added emphasis to their individual characteristics. 

I was so excited to see all of the different kinds that I now had on my property that I began cutting them and making arrangements to give away to friends, and decorate the center of my breakfast table.  I went for a walk around the creek that runs through my back yard, collecting wild grape hyacinth so that I could add a pop of contrasting royal blue color to the bouquets. 

Now, much like many plants that I discover each season, I have opened my eyes and have become intrigued by these intoxicating little flowers.  Each fall, I will be sure to keep an eye out for new varieties to add to my collection. 

As an ode to my former favorite spring flowering bulb, one single yellow tulip appeared in my new garden!  (And of course it was yellow...)

ARTiculture: Highlights from the 2014 Philadephia Flower Show

This year the Philadelphia Flower Show explored an entirely new theme focusing on the connection between Art and Horticulture.  Teaming up with various art museums such as the Barnes Foundation, The Brandywine River Museum, and Grounds for Sculpture, the atmosphere was alive with creative potential.  Inspired by the works of famous artists such as Wyeth, Calder, Dali, and Mondrian, landscape designers came together to create unique and colorful displays.  Most striking this year was the contrast between geometric lines, architectural forms, and the organic quality of the plants and flowers.

Here are some highlights from my photo collection.

Upon entering the convention center, a giant Calder display greets visitors with bright primary colors of red yellow and blue.  Also functioning as a performance stage, there were a variety of entertainers including BANDALOOP, a vertical dance troop who flew through the air cascading down the flower covered forms. 

Next, a Mondrian inspired display with red, yellow, and blue flowers nestled inside of a linear, geometric structure.  This worked to create a somewhat believable natural and architectural environment while making the two-dimensionality of the painting come to life.

Bright colors and geometric forms were everywhere, with organic textures playing off of the more structured yet fluid architectural lines.

Many of the colors stood out like a vibrant palette of blues, reds, and oranges.

Along with the artwork inspired displays were some of my favorite tablescape settings.  The one above had so many wonderful details, including pieces of decorative blue glass, hanging lanterns, and a creative potting bench.  Salvaged items made for a rustic and whimsical setting.  I was particularly excited to see the pieces of blue glass that I had written about it in one of my posts this past summer.  

The culinary table setting below, was one of my favorites of the show this year.  The attention to detail in this sushi inspired feast was amazing, with an imaginative and bountiful harvest created out of organic and edible colors and textures.

Every year there are a variety of displays showcasing artwork created by both adults and students.  The two beautifully detailed landscape pieces below are made with entirely organic plant and flower materials.

The small dioramas using small landscape plants always offer a fun escape into a miniature world.  

Like Frieda Kahlo's studio...

Leonardo DaVinci's studio...

Keith Haring's house...

The Lady of Shalott...

And finallya scene from The Birds...

And as always, the plant specimens are a highlight and great research opportunity.

 

A fun time at the Flower Show this year, can't wait until next!