Daffodil Gardening 101
This is a related article from last week's article on "Why Daffodils (Some) are Extinct."
Regarding historics daffodils. There has been a lot of "hype" the last few years over historic daffodils, and I have been suckered in, to some extent. I say suckered because now that I have the historic daffodils, I'm too tender hearted to toss them out, yet they are neither good garden or show daffodils. Don't get me wrong, I have great respect for some older varieties that were cornerstones in development of modern daffodils. I also can appreciate those who attempt to keep them in cultivation. It was that respect for one of those gents that helped get me suckered.
Many Historics just have dissappear, not just because of virus but for lack of interest. Just because they are old does not mean they are worthy. Some daffodils belong in a museum along with the bi-planes crop-dusters of yesterday. Doesn't mean that the next trip I take on commerical air, that I want to travel in a crop-duster.
Purpose My general understanding has always been that the purpose of daffodil organizations is the promotion of daffodils, hybridizing, and continuance of the introduction of improved, bigger, brighter, etc., varieties. Lately, that seems to be pushed aside by a bigger push on growing older varieties that can't compete with the form and pose of todays modern daffodils. Why?
Historical? I know Americans have gotten into the habit of protecting anything that might be thought of as historic, and that's fine if you are into that. But, we got to where we are by building, and working for advancement, not looking over our shoulders. I know, many daffodil intellectuals will ask, "who are you to decide that curly perianth segments, and exploding corona's are not worthy?" My answer, me. I have a right to say which flowers are worthy in my garden, and I like straight perianth segments, and cups that hold their form. If I had liked twisting perianth segments and exploding cups, I'd have picked another flower to chamption, such as the daylily, or the orchid, or even the daisy (now I'm going to have all those fans out to lynch me as well).
On the Frontier How many would like to go back to living in one room log or sod houses with roofs that only leaked when it rained? You'd have to grow your own food, including keeping chickens, pigs and cattle for meat. You'd have to know how to be your own butcher, farmer, carpenter, etc. How do you want your Turkey on Thanksgiving? The old way was the turkey was dinner, now he comes to dinner. I don't think we'd have many takers for the frontier way of life without our comforts of home, cars, TV, telephone, and air-conditioning. I like advancements, like my easy chair and the television that we Americans refuse to publically admit that we watch. It's progress, and that's why I like my modern daffodils.
