THE FIELD OF DAFFODILS
One of the most popular seasonal displays at the Garden, the Field of Daffodils signals the first signs of spring. When this field of more than 25,000 daffodils (Narcissus cvs.) comes into bloom, it is a dramatic sight to behold. Visitors flock to the Garden to experience this tapestry of color and take photographs.
The Field of Daffodils was first planted in 1991. Because of the spreading nature of daffodils, the field has grown and evolved in the decades since. Today, a variety of cultivars can be seen each season, the earliest of which, ‘Rijnveld’s Early Sensation’, usually shows color the first weekend in April. For the best view, visit between the third week of April and the first week of May, when the bloom period generally peaks. (Peak viewing times vary each year with weather–check out our Instagram or Facebook for updates.)
After blooms pass for the year, daffodil foliage dies back and a variety of meadow plants emerge in their place. The field is one of the Garden’s minimally-maintained naturalistic spaces. It’s mowed once or twice a year to encourage the development of early successional habitat, environment that fosters plant species like common milkweed and others that provide important food and habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.
The Field of Daffodils was dedicated in summer 2023 in honor of Diane N. Irwin.
