Daffodil: The remarkable story of the world's most popular spring flower

Front Cover
Timber Press, Sep 24, 2013 - Gardening - 220 pages

There is no harbinger of spring like a field or garden filled with bright yellow daffodils. But the world of the daffodil is much more than just its place in the march of the seasons. It’s a plant whose history starts with the tombs of the Pharaohs, through pre-Darwin evolutionary theory and Cornwall’s burgeoning bulb business, and leads to the current explosion of varieties from plant breeders seeking new colors, fragrances, and forms.

Daffodil reveals a global plant infatuation that has led to more than 25,000 cultivars available in nearly every shade of yellow (and now pink, orange, and white). Noel Kingsbury tells the tale through an engaging narrative history and plant portraits that highlight more than 200 varieties. Jo Whitworth's revealing photography shows a side of the daffodil rarely seen. Plant lovers will relish the stories and gardeners will cherish the cultivation notes, plant descriptions, and recommendations.

 

Contents

Acknowledgements
6
Introduction
8
Daffodil Definitions
32
From the Tombs of the Pharaohs
60
Travelling Changing and Multiplying
96
Cornwall
114
Breeders and Conservers
138
Gone Native
162
Daffodils in the Garden
178
Plant Lists
202
Select Bibliography
205
Sources and Resources
207
Photo Credits
210
Index
211
Copyright

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About the author (2013)

Noel Kingsbury is a researcher, writer, and teacher. A gardener since childhood, he has run a nursery, designed gardens and public spaces, and done doctoral research at the University of Sheffield’s Department of Landscape on the ecology of ornamental perennials. He lives and gardens in the Welsh Borders near Hay-on-Wye.

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