University Botanic Gardens
A host of golden daffodils
The first phase of the project was completed in March last year when Friends of Cambridge University Botanic Garden helped plant 5000 in-the-green snowdrops. Large-flowered Galanthus elwesii and Galanthus 'S Arnott'were planted in drifts, giving way to the simple, single-flowered Galanthus nivalis under the Hazel and Birch collections, now festooned with catkins. These combine beautifully with bright yellow winter aconites (Eranthis hyemalis) and pastel-coloured early Crocus.
To follow on, we have planted a spectacular show of wild daffodils, scattered and dug in last autumn in their tens of thousands. First the fresh spring grass is studded with the delicate and diminutive Narcissus pseudonarcissus lobularis, stars of creamy, twisted petals backing yellow trumpets. These delightful wild daffodils are followed by the old-fashioned Pheasant Eyes (Narcissus poeticus recurvus), a late-flowering daffodil with a small bright orange cup surrounded by reflexed, white petals. Planted en masse, the fresh scent will fill the air.
The Botanic Garden is open 10am -5pm in March. Admission is £4 (£3.50) or join the Friends & help the Garden grow! To join the one-hour highlights tour led by an expert Garden Guide that leaves Brookside Gate at 11am on the first Saturday of every month, telephone 01223 336265 to book a place (£7, £3 for Friends). Or bring the children along to one of our drop-in First Saturday Family Fun workshops. The elegantly appointed new Garden CafĂ© has just re-opened, and serves homemade, locallysourced and delicious food. For news and events, detailed information about the Garden or to discover this week's Plant Picks from the Head of Horticulture, please visit the website at www.botanic.cam.ac.uk