Issue 16Get Ready for Spring Blooms

COLUMNIST: THE CALEY
Get Ready for Spring Blooms
As winter draws to an end, we look forward to seeing colourful spring flower displays. Whilst snowdrops are recognised as winter flowers, they are closely followed in early spring by crocus, then daffodils, then by bright, showy tulips, Do not forget though about some of the other spring flowering bulbs such as chionodoxa, corydalis, erythronium, fritillaria, hyacinth, iris, and muscari, to name just a few.
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But it is almost certainly the daffodil that people associate with the arrival of spring. No spring garden is complete without Narcissus, whether growing in the borders or in pots, and dominating roadside verges and spring show benches.
Its popularity is well deserved as there are lots of different shapes, sizes, and colour varieties from which to choose, and spring is a great time to go out and enjoy them.
There are a number of large gardens with significant displays of daffodil: Brodie Castle (NTS) in Moray, Greenbank Garden (NTS) near Glasgow, and Backhouse Rossie in Fife are all well worth a visit.
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Another way of exploring the wide range of daffodils and other spring blooms would be to visit a spring show. This this can be a good way to help you choose what to grow in your own garden. Why not check out one of the spring shows in Scotland, get a closer look, and be your own judge?
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Spring Show DatesAberdeen: Royal Aberdeen Horticultural Society 25^th and 26^th March, David Welch Winter Gardens, Duthie Park
Edinburgh: Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society (The Caley) 1^st and 2^nd April, Saughton Park, Edinburgh, EH11 3HR
Dundee: Dundee Daffodil Group 15^th and 16^th April, Boomerang Centre, Kemback Street, DD4 6ET
Keith: Keith Horticultural Society 22^nd April, Longmore Community Hall, Keith
Banff: Banff Horticultural Association 29^th and 30^th April, BB Hall, Seafield Street, Banff
Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Dundee, Keith, and Banff Shows all have significant displays of daffodils but there are also lots of other entries of interest. All of these shows are open to new entrants, you do not need to be an expert!
Text in Box with Lists
Profile ImageThe Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, known affectionately as ‘The Caley’, was established in 1809 by a group of seventeen Edinburgh worthies at a meeting held at the Royal College of Physicians. In a regular column for Scotland Grows, members of The Caley talk about the work of the Society in Scotland with gardening and gardeners.The Caley is always ready to welcome new members and offers a wide range of benefits in joining. From workshops and classes to talks and trips, there is sure to be something to interest anyone in Scotland with a love of plants and gardening. Find out more about how to join Scotland’s National Horticultural and Gardening Society on their website. Scotland GrowsNavigationEditor's WelcomeContentsWhat's Gorgeous in the Garden?Scone Palace Garden Fair Ticket LinkThe Beauty of Good DesignLynn Hill Garden DesignA Pop of PrimulaDesign Your Garden For WildlifePrune for Drab to Fab Hydrangea BloomsWhich Plants are Wimps in the Garden?Scotland Grows TestimonialScottish Garden Design CompetitionGet Ready for Spring BloomsWhat's in a Plant Name?Grow Your BusinessDivide Ornamental GrassesThe Strength of AllotmentsFeature Your GardenThe Starter’s Guide to Growing VegResults with RadishSeed Sowing Without Fancy EquipmentScotland Grows Reader TestimonialGrow a BeanstalkThe Indonesian CookPlant a SuperfruitSupport Well-Being Through GardeningFractal FascinationGardening is Good for your Mental HealthCome and Chat about PlantsListen to Your BodyScotland Grows HoodiesTop 5 Houseplants for the BathroomScotland Grows WebsiteJobs AheadWhat's On In ScotlandIn Defence of the DandelionNext IssueArchives