When spring is in full swing in southern New England the Narcissus flowers in Connecticut are blooming! For about six weeks, from April to May, radiant fields of yellow and white daffodils stretch toward the sky, dancing in the spring breeze. They have a short-lived but significant life. All fields of blooming flowers are striking but narcissus flowers, like many bulbous flowers, are remarkable in another way. I’m always in awe of the beauty of these types of flowers because of all the hard work it takes. Imagine planting thousands of daffodil bulbs then digging them up only to replant them again!
It’s quite a feat and one I am thankful for! The time taken by those cultivating these gardens has created beautiful backdrops for our viewing pleasure. It’s an extraordinary treat for them to share with us their contributions of such special gifts from nature.
Where to find Narcissus flowers in bloom?
Aside from the hundreds you’ll most likely see, dotted along the roads, check out the following places to leisurely enjoy these delightful daffodils.
Laurel Ridge Foundation
In the fall of 1941, Remy and Virginia Morosani planted 10,000 daffodil bulbs on a sloping hill on the northeast side of Laurel Ridge farm in Fairfield, CT. After two decades of digging up the bulbs, separating them and replanting, two acres turned to the fifteen that are blooming today. In the mid-1960s, the Morosani’s started the Laurel Ridge Foundation as a way to preserve the beauty of the Narcissus flower and for everyone to enjoy. It is free to stroll through the property from sunrise to sunset while the flowers are in bloom, but there are a few obvious rules to follow, including no picnics or pets. Wigwam Road, Litchfield, CT
Hubbard Park | Meriden Daffodil Festival
During the 1970s, a local florist donated extra daffodil bulbs to Meriden parks, sparking the idea of the annual Meriden Daffodil Festival. For some years after that first donation, the park planted 20,000 to 40,000 daffodil bulbs each year and by 1979, the first festival commenced. Held the last weekend in April, with pre-festival events, including a road race and tag sale, during the prior weekends. The festival offers free live entertainment, vendors, and food plus the daffodils! While there is no parking in the park during the festival, free shuttles are available for parking at local business and surrounding schools.
However, you don’t need to wait until the festival to enjoy the beautiful blooms. Take a drive through when the park is less crowded and much quieter, to enjoy the peaceful sea of golden yellow. Hubbard Park, 999 West Main Street, Meriden, CT
NAUMKEAG | Daffodil Festival
In the heart of the Berkshires, the recent edition of 60,000 daffodil bulbs to the Naumkeag, has culminated in a new springtime tradition, the Daffodil Festival. The festival, at the 1884 Gilded Age Choate Cottage, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, begins the last weekend in April and runs through Mother’s Day. In addition to daffodil bulbs, other spring bulbs, including tulips are included in the gardens at Naumkeag and each weekend during the festival, pop-up activities are among the grounds for visitors to enjoy.
Admission
In addition to the Daffodil festival, the Naumkeag offers various guided tours of the house and the grounds. There is a café for grab-and-go food and refreshments and they remain open, no matter the weather. Admission is $20 (children are free) for your choice of tour including access to the grounds, additional tours are available for $5 each. The festival cost is $15 for non-members (children are free) and includes self-guided access to the grounds and the first floor of the house for the day. 5 Prospect Hill Road, Stockbridge, MA
Where have you seen Narcissus flower fields in bloom?
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