Daffodils don't have to be yellow

Yes its the pot that just keeps on giving, the spring pot

I know daffodil season is well and truly over for this year, my mother’s narcissi, which have been glorious for weeks have finally curled and dried to shadows of their former selves.  I took a few photos here and there of some particular favourites and thought they were still worth sharing.

Now im more than happy to admit that I am a complete daffodil snob, which is somewhat ironic considering that all daffodils belong to the narcissus family and narcissus was in Greek mythology a hunter renowned for his beauty who fell in love with a reflection of himself and unable to tear himself away from such a vision, died.  I have also read that he was turned into a flower, although personally I wouldn’t have said that a daffodil was exactly an embodiment of an un-doubtably pretty but none-the-less strapping young man.   Personally, I would have chosen a flower with a far less sunny disposition, although maybe its just me who knows lots of miserable men.

Anyway despite sharing a root name with what can hardly be described as a complimentary affliction of being narcissistic, and being an absolute devil to spell, narcissi can be quite nice.  I say can be, because as I said before I am a snob.  I just hate you’re a-typical ‘King Alfred’ all yellow daffodil, oddly enough for exactly the same reason as why I appreciate a good field of Rapeseed.  They are just so god damned yellow, no subtlety, all ‘hello!’ and in your face.

There are plenty of daffodils and narcissi that I don’t find loathsome, and being a woman of taste the mother grew three this year that were actually rather nice.  Unfortunately I have no idea what any of them are but I imagine they are fairly common as she wouldn’t have gone anywhere more exotic than the garden centre to get them.

First up we have this rather lovely specimen with almost samon pink to apricot frontages to the petals, like a jazzy lining to a fancy jacket.  I mainly love the colour, although there are some ruffles in there which are always pleasing.  And no trumpet, I don’t think im too fond of trumpet.  They contrasted nicely against the purple of the muscari, I told you the colour scheme always works out!

Next a white variety with a vivid dark orange trumpet, yes a trumpet despite what I just said, even I can admire the vivid splash of colour on white and appreciate the gentle gradient down the inside towards the centre.

Lastly and my personal favourite of this trio is outrageously frilly and great value with several blooms on each stem.  The stripes of yellow and orange in the centre remind me of when you get a bit stabby with the spatula and accidentally pop the yolk of the fried egg you were cooking and it starts to bleed out.

I might look into getting a few exciting varieties for next Spring, I did pick up a leaflet from a daffodil bulb specialist at Chelsea last year but I tossed it away thinking I would never buy any, helpful.

If these don't remind you of eggs and Easter, nothing will