Winterthur Garden Blog

UPDATED This weekend’s program with Brent Heath will be a wonderful way to learn about heirloom daffodil bulbs. The lecture will take place in the Rotunda at the Museum on Saturday at 11 am.

HF du Pont used the branches of trees to create the irregular outlines of his daffodil drifts here at Winterthur. He also felt strongly that each drift should consist of just one variety of daffodil so that the effect wouldn’t be marred by daffodils in different stages of flowering. He started this process in the early 1900s and we see the results here at Winterthur today.

Last month we learned from Rick Darke that as early as 1870 William Robinson was promoting the idea of naturalized plantings of daffodils and other adaptable plants. Robinson seemed to suggest that small, delicate flowered varieties with fragrance are the most desirable for naturalizing.

I am fascinated by these early accounts of naturalized bulbs, because I think I have taken the invention for granted. Maybe you have too. How many times have you seen a bank of daffodils along a roadway or at a public garden without reflecting on it? The idea of growing an adaptable perennial that can compete for light and nutrients with grass or meadow is inspired. That the  daffodil does not become invasive and doesn’t require coddling once established, makes my admiration for the concept complete.

In almost two weeks we will have an opportunity to learn still more about naturalized daffodils. We have invited Brent Heath to come and consult with us on some of the heirloom varieties of daffodils growing around the Winterthur garden. He has agreed, as part of his visit, to do a lecture for the public. I will definitely have my notebook and pencil ready for this lecture!

April 17
Heirloom Bulbs for Gardens
11:00 am–12:00 pm
Brent Heath, third-generation bulb grower and co-owner of Brent and Becky’s Bulbs, describes ways to use historic bulbs. $20; $10 Members. Call 800.448.3883 or 302.888.4600.