For many of us, daffodils remind us of our ongoing fight against cancer. Few of us are untouched by cancer — if not ourselves—then a family member or friend. At 50, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, with early detection and treatment, I’m gratefully celebrating 5 years of living cancer free.

Joining the fight against cancer takes many forms. We may wear a ribbon, give a bouquet of fresh daffodils, make a donation or find ways to support those living with cancer. Small acts of kindness really do make a difference.

Before putting fresh daffodils in a vase, hold the stems under water and trim off the bottom of the stems. Put your daffodils in a vase of their own. Their stems have a compound that’s toxic to other flowers. At night, cover your bouquet with a sheet of plastic wrap and leave them in the refrigerator overnight to extend their blooming period.

Place pots of daffodil near a window so the plants receive bright but filtered light. Direct sunlight can burn the foliage and also causes the blooms to fade more quickly. Check the soil once or twice a week and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize the soil with a soluble balanced fertilizer once every two weeks after the last flower fades if you plan to transplant the bulbs.

Move the pots outside to a full sun location after frost danger. Cut off the foliage after it yellows and dies back naturally. Transplant the bulbs to a well-drained garden with full sun exposure. Plant daffodil bulbs with the pointed tip 2 inches beneath the soil surface, and space bulbs about 5 inches apart. They will remain dormant through summer and winter, producing new flowers in spring.

If gardening is something that sparks your interest, visit us on April 15/16 at the Dunnville Lions Home and Garden Show or join us for a free monthly program of the Dunnville Horticultural Society. Everyone is welcome, non-members and members alike. Karen Richardson (Curator, Haldimand County Museum and Archives) will be speaking on “Early Kitchen Gardens” April 21, at 7-9pm. Returning guest, Lester Fretz (Lowbanks/Port Colborne), will be speaking on “Backyard Greenhouses” on May 19. Come enjoy an evening of friendship, food, and fun garden give-aways at the Optimist Hall, 101 Main St. W., Dunnville.