March is the month of daffodils! Would they fit your landscape well?
March is a month that might bring several images to mind. In Maryland, it might resurrect memories of cherry blossoms, flying kites, and daffodils. Daffodils are the quintessential March flower; in fact, it is the March birth flower. These bright, bold flowers have a rich history and can easily beautify your Maryland garden. Here’s more about this flower of the month, the daffodil.
March Birth Flower: Daffodil
The daffodil is technically a type of Narcissus, which is one of the December birth flowers. The daffodil traditionally has six triangular petals with a trumpet-shaped crown frilled at the edges. Its colors are usually a combination of yellow, orange, or white. Each stem has one flower. Although it is likened to the asphodel, these plants are not closely related; in the American Southeast, you might hear a daffodil called a jonquil, which comes from the Latin term for a rush plant.
The Daffodil in Myth and History
Because a daffodil’s taxonomical name is the Narcissus, it is most closely linked to the myth of Echo and Narcissus from ancient Greece. In the story, Narcissus spurned the love of the nymph Echo. Upset, Echo solicited Cupid to cause Narcissus to fall in love with his own reflection, so that he pined away to death from unrequited love. In one version of the tale, Narcissus turned into the Narcissus plant after his death.
The Daffodil in Literature
The daffodil features profusely across classic literature, seen in works by William Shakespeare, John Keats, William Wordsworth, Robert Herrick, and others. One of the most famous poems regarding the daffodil is “Daffodils,” by Wordsworth.
I wander’d lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd–
A host of golden daffodils.
Beside the lake, beneath the trees
Flutt’ring and dancing in the breeze.
Growing the Daffodil in Maryland Is Easy!
Daffodils can grow strong and healthy every spring throughout the United States and do very well in Maryland gardens. They are one of the first types of flowers to bloom in spring; they might even be in bloom around you right now! Planted in fall before the first frost, these perennials grow and die in spring. Deadhead the flowers, but allow the leaves to remain until they also wither.
Bring Your Landscaping Vision to Life with Michael Bryan Landscapes
When you work with Michael Bryan Landscapes, you are bringing your landscaping vision to life with a team of experts who are committed to the quality of their work on your home. Whether you want to design a landscape for your outdoor space, build a deck, or install a stone patio, our team of experts is ready to help you make it happen. Since 2009, we have served Maryland and Northern Virginia with a variety of landscaping, hardscaping, design, and installation services that not only keep your outdoor space looking great but working as efficiently as possible to meet the needs of your family throughout the year. If you are ready to get started with your landscaping project or service today, call us at 443-203-1951 or email us at sales@michaelbryanlandscapes.com. Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest for updates and weekly landscaping tips!