Daffodil Days Are Over And They Were Beautiful
The breathtaking daffodil field in nearby Redding is a destination for hundreds each April.
We always look forward to the arrival of the beautiful, mostly yellow blooms which are ubiquitous in our area, especially those in front of Willowbrook Cemetery on Main St just south of the Merritt Parkway (see our Wonderful Willowbrook story) and everywhere in front of the beautiful homes of Westport. The daffodil, which has the botanical name Narcissus, is a favorite among local gardeners. While most are yellow, There are more than 27,000 cultivated varieties including white-petalled Narcissus poeticus and the orange and salmon-colored variety.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Almost surprisingly, the daffodil, the most visible sign of the beginning of spring, is not the state flower in any of the 50 states. It is, however, national flower of Wales. The flower is worn traditionally in Wales on St. David's Day, the first day of March to celebrate the Welch patron saint, David. David lived in the sixth century and was known for having founded a large monastery in western Wales.
The UK is the worlds largest grower of the flower. Learn more at History Of Daffodils. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/history/gardens-landscapes/history-of-daffodils
One of the places in our area where the daffodil show is simply spectacular is at 70 Cross Highway in Redding where these photos were taken in late April. The beautiful field blooms each spring with an estimated 50,000 daffodils, creating a stunning sea of yellow that serves as a testament to a love story which endured for over six decades. No matter where you point your camera/phone you get a beautiful photo. Even the bluebird sitting on a branch overlooking the scene must be impressed.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The cherished field was the home of Bud McQuade a teacher at Redding's Joel Barlow High School for many years. Each year Bud would plant more and more bulbs as a tribute to his beloved wife Florence who adored them.
After Florence's passing, Bud dedicated his time to nurturing and expanding the daffodil patch, continuing this labor of love until his own death in 2019 at 103 years old.
Following Bud's passing, concerns arose that the field might be lost to development. However, his neighbor, Stacey Steinmetz, stepped in to purchase the property, ensuring that the daffodils would continue to bloom and that the profound message of enduring love would remain a vibrant part of the community. Hundreds of families visit the site each year walking the paths and taking family photos of their one of a kind experience.
Overlooking the field is a vibrant Magnolia tree which is almost as eye-catching as the sea of flowers at its base.
