Dunnville Horticulture Society
Photo courtesy of Ian Steel.

April is Daffodil Month

Sandi Marr, DHS Reporting Secretary

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.

Sandi Marr, DHS Reporting Secretary.
Sandi welcomes your questions and ideas for future gardening columns.
sandi.h@sympatico.ca