Daffodil Daze at Gilfillan Mary Lynn Spazok
The Ides of March bring a daze of buttery yellow, sunny orange, and emerald green to the rolling fields of the Gilfillan Homestead in Upper St. Clair. The daffodil stands proudly for respect, resurrection, and unrequited love. The official botanical genus, with its Latin root Narcissus, has many species. For example, the petite Jonquil, which produces multiple flowers per stem, is a “species tag.” In my neighborhood, every color, silhouette, and magnitude of daffodil is present. Historically, the ancient Greeks presented us with the romanticized, but tragic, drama of Narcissus and Echo. Mythical Narcissus, a stunningly handsome youth, was bestowed eternal good looks by the Gods. But as with most folklore, there was a catch. His beauty was permanent and immortal as long as he did not view his own reflection. While hunting in the forest, a nubile wood nymph, Echo, gazed adoringly at him. He was so striking, he left her breathless. Alas, Narcissus egotistically ridiculed her. Devastated by his rejection, she wept and wailed incessantly until all that was left of her was her voice. The alluring passionate diva, Goddess Nemesis, mirrored Echo’s heartache vowing sweet revenge. Cunning, she lured Narcissus to an iridescent lake deep in the woods. There, arrogant Narcissus was unable to resist gazing adoringly at his own reflection. In that instant, he fell in love with whom else but himself! Infuriated, the Gods executed the “divine penalty” and Narcissus evaporated into
thin air. Satisfied, the Gods then gifted a brilliant blossom that bears his name: Narcissus. Known as the Poet’s Daffodil, this wild species was named by Linneaus, who devised the botanical nomenclature (international system of naming biological terms in science). The white flattened flower with the brilliant orange cup flourishes within the Ukraine at the 600-acre conservancy Valley of the Narcissi. Legendary British poet William Wordsworth proclaimed its splendor in 1804 by publicizing his classic poem, “Daffodils.” An eloquent portrayal of “ten thousand swaying,” shaped the phrase “dancing with daffodils.” Now you know how Narcissus Poeticus came to be. Back at the farm, young at heart Margaret Gilfillan celebrated a quirky tradition with her older brother, John. Each August, she gifted John a dozen daff bulbs as a birthday (August 28, 1898) gift. Out into the field he would go and throw them up into air and plant them where they fell. Generational cousin Rachel Heins Carlson declares, “We are going to uphold this tradition. After years of bulb decay and onsite (but necessary) construction, replenishment is important to maintain the integrity of the fields.” In 2010, 796 bulbs of ten varieties, including Biltmore Estate-Money Maker (of course!), Dutch Master, Butterfly, Scarlet O’Hara, and Mount Hood, were ordered from AmericanMeadows.com and planted over several weekends using a power drill and lots of manpower. Identification of historic species is
from Internet specialty sources, bear in mind that the earliest species are much smaller than today’s robust, lofty hybrids. From these petite wildflowers, the hybridizers have created thousands of versions, which feature a host of colors from the classic golden yellows and whites to bright orange and even pinks. In 2011, nine billion flower bulbs a year will be produced in Holland’s modern production fields. In the world of horticulture, the Dutch bulb industry is a true phenomenon. The combination of science and beauty, with applied modern marketing, dispenses delight to gardeners worldwide. Whether touring abroad or concentrating on your own backyard, everyone can take pleasure in the spectacular results of the world’s most lucrative floriculture. Founded in 1954, the American Daffodil Society (ADS) promotes scientific research of breeding, diseases, pests, and testing. Vital recording and dissemination of horticultural data through certified publications such as The Daffodil Journal envelops all aspects of evolution, breeding, and exhibition of miniatures, historics, and hybrids. Finally, international registration with standardized names is paramount. Serving contemporary cultivars, the ADS cooperates with the Royal Horticultural Society by accepting and forwarding registrations. Intrigued? With members in 47 U.S. states and over two dozen countries, the educational goal of the ADS is to promote, coordinate, and sponsor shows. Receptive to all Internet users, DAFFNET is a cyber roundtable dedicated to growing and hybridizing. The cyber database DaffSeek showcases 18,000 variety details with 15,000 photos. For the cold weather couch potato who enjoys fireside leisure, peruse Daffodils to Show and Grow. Updated by ADS every four years, it is the ideal segue into daffodil cultivation. Come March, the time-honored fundraiser, Daffodil Days, symbolizes a world where cancer can be conquered psychologically, socially, and economically. The American Cancer Society (ACS) has offered this icon of hope and renewal for over 36 years. Why not gift this symbol of commitment to family and friends? The outcome? Patients attain support to make
Whoever loves and understands a garden will find contentment within. —Chinese proverb ongoing. If you a re i n t e re s t e d i n helping, contact the USC Historical Society where your “green thumb” is greatly valued. While wild daffodils bulbs are available
Noah Clark romps among the daffodils. Picture perfect is Aaron Levinthal 14
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
Spring 2011