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Daffodil Festival

Celebrate the nearing of spring and support the Cancer Council during Daffodil Festival at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah from 18 to Sunday 26 August.

The Brunet Meadow will be transformed by a sea of golden, white, and even orange and pink hues as mass plantings of daffodils burst into bloom. Each year the meadow looks increasingly spectacular as more bulbs are planted. The Garden’s horticulturists have added thousands of bulbs over the years and there will be 64 different types of cultivar on display. ‘Money maker’ and ‘Ascot’ are just two of the many Narcissus, or daffodil, that visitors can admire. The bulb plantings will be labelled so that visitors can take note of the ones they love.

Senior Horticulturist at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mat Murray says: “Narcissus is a very large group of bulbous plants with over 50 different species. They are found naturally in a wide variety of habitats and countries growing from North Africa throughout Europe and across to Asia. With such a large range there is a multitude of different ‘forms’. Perhaps the most familiar is the ‘trumpet type’ daffodil. It is best known in Australia as ‘King Alfred’, however there are a number of imposters masquarading as ‘King Alfred’ so it can be hard to know whether or not they are the true type.

'Jonquils are also very familiar daffodils. They naturally occur in areas that have warmer winters and as such they are amongst the early flowering Narcissus. They also have a strong perfume. The latest flowering daffodil is Narcissus poeticus, the last of the daffodils to flower. It is one of the most beautiful. It is blessed with a glorious scent and is commonly found growing in damper areas. It has been cultivated throughout history.

'There is a multitude of other species … some tiny and some towering. They all require similar growing conditions. They grow best in the more temperate areas of Australia. Although jonquils will perform in and around Brisbane. They need full sun and fertile soils. Most species like some summer moisture. But not waterlogged. Protection from winds when blooming is also recommended as the fleshy flowers are easily damaged. They often form congested clumps of bulbs after three to four years and this affects the flowering. Regular division of these groups whilst dormant is recommended.

The leaves can appear unsightly after flowering. But it is important that they be left to mature to produce the bulb and flowers for next spring. Once they show signs of yellowing the leaves can be cut off. Be careful of newly emerging shoots, they are often overlooked and the plants can be damaged without even noticing. Although beautiful, daffodils can also be poisonous. So wear gloves when handling them and keep kids and pets away from the plants.'

There are daffodils throughout the Garden and a map available to guide you around. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the meadow, practise your daffodil photography or just relax whilst you take in the views and beauty of the garden. Cut flowers and Cancer Council merchandise will be on sale in the Garden Shop.

Please help the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden support the Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day by visiting the Garden during our August Daffodil Festival

Daffodil Festival

With optimum growing conditions, the Garden will be transformed by a sea of golden hues as additional plantings of daffodils erupt in bloom. Enjoy a picnic, take some photos or simply enjoy the mass plantings. Cut flowers and Cancer Council merchandise available for sale.

When: Saturday 18 to Sunday 26 August

Daffodil Day

Celebration and fundraiser

When: Friday 24 August, 9 am-5 pm
Cost: Free

All things Daffodil - growing bulbs successfully

Community workshop. Join Senior Horticulturist Mat Murray to explore the world of bulbs. Be amazed by the 50 different cultivars on display and learn the secrets to bulb growing success. The workshop includes general cultivation and care tips for growing both spring and summer flowering bulbs.

When: Friday 24 August, 10.30 am - 12.30 pm
Cost: $25pp
Bookings: essential, phone 02 4567 3000 or ask at the Visitor Information Desk in the Visitor Centre.

Narcissus

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