Ahead of its Annual Daffodil Show this Saturday (April 11) Springfields Horticultural Society has been recognised for its collection and preservation of a type of daffodil.
It has been awarded National Plant Collection status by the charity Plant Heritage for its collection of ‘Narcissus’.
It includes a host of commercial developed varieties of the type of daffodils named after the figure in Greek mythology said to have turned into such a flower after falling in love with his own reflection.
Like Springfields Horticultural Society itself, one type in the collection, the ‘Sir Winston Churchill’, marks its 60th anniversary this year with the ‘rare late flowering double daffodil’ having been discovered in 1966 in the nearby Cowbit nursery of Harold Homes.
The whole collection was first displayed at Springfields Festival Gardens in 2009 and has remained their since.
It was deemed a ‘National Collection’ in 2017 by the charity Plant Heritage which aims to protect unique species and presents green plaques to those carrying out such work.
They have been presented to Springfields garden curator Andy Boyton and chair of the trustees of Springfield Horticultural Society Adrian Jansen and will be displayed on its garden office and next to the collection itself.
“Receiving our green plaques from Plant Heritage is a moment of immense pride for everyone connected with Springfields Festival Gardens,” Mr Jansen said. “To be recognised in this way, in our 60th anniversary year, feels particularly fitting.
“This Collection is a living legacy — these daffodils tell the story of British commercial horticulture, and it is our privilege to protect them for future generations.
“I warmly invite everyone to come and see the Collection in bloom this spring at our Annual Daffodil
and Spring Flower Show on April 11.”
Mr Boyton added: “The National Collection of Narcissus here at Springfields is unlike anything else in British
horticulture.
“These are varieties with real stories behind them — bred by world-leading research institutions, many grown commercially across the country, and now preserved here for visitors and future generations to enjoy.
“The green plaque is a wonderful symbol of that commitment. If any groups would like to have a tour please contact our office to organise it and I’ll be happy to take visitors through the Collection and share some of the fascinating history behind these remarkable daffodils.
“And of course, our Annual Daffodil Show on April 11 is a brilliant celebration of everything that makes this flower so special — entries are very welcome.”
The Daffodil Day will be free to enter and open to the public to wander around after judging is complete.
