Most of my childhood recollections involve plants, dogs, and being constantly outdoors on the family farm and the Saluda River. This time of year, when my landscape is full of blooming daffodils, I think of my father and the wonderful memory gift he gave me.
A daffodil “river” in full bloom at Crooked Trail Farm.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson University
Half of my childhood was spent in the small town of Chappells in Newberry County, where my father grew up. Each spring, he would drive me around abandoned family homesites in Chappells in our old Willis jeep. We would go to the ruins of old homes where sweeps of daffodils continued to bloom. Even the simplest cabin’s site would be filled with flowers. He would let me gather huge “Bouquets of Sunshine,” which we would share with our friends and neighbors.
A ”Bouquet of Sunshine” will brighten up a dreary day.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson University
When my children were small, we continued the same tradition of planting daffodil bulbs every fall. Then, each spring, we would pick “Bouquets of Sunshine” to deliver around our community, a practice I continue every spring. What is more special for a gardener than sharing flowers from one’s garden with others?
My daughter loved picking daffodils to share with friends and neighbors.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson University
Picking daffodils was one of my son’s favorite things to do in the spring.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson University
May these photos make you smile and reflect on your childhood memories, which I hope include the abundance of plants, dogs, and being surrounded by nature!
Here’s a virtual “Bouquet of Sunshine” for all of our HGIC gardening friends.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson University
