It’s raining daffodils…

April in the Pacific Northwest is a fickle month with the weather splashing about like a cup of water in a toddler’s hand. A sunny 65 degree afternoon is no more uncommon than a hail storm followed by snowfall. The only guaranteed weather is the ever persistent rain and the high winds ushering it to and fro throughout the month.

April is when the daffodils are in full bloom with the tulips nipping closely behind them. It is the month where you feel spring just beyond your grasp, so you struggle to stretch your fingertips just that little bit further, hoping to pull it up through the soil while simultaneously pulling the sun down from beneath the clouds. If such things were possible.

Despite the rain’s ability to thwart highly anticipated April plans, I have grown to love it. I find it comforting. I also know its secret. That it can transform the Pacific Northwest into an absolute jewel box as soon as the sun’s rays touch it. I found this poem when I was young and I think of it every time April rain taps at my windows. I thought it fitting to share with you this month, along with our favorite daffodils to grow.

April Rain by Robert Loveman

It isn’t raining rain to me,
It’s raining daffodils;
In every dimpled drop I see
Wild flowers on the hills.
The clouds of grey engulf the day
And overwhelm the town —
It isn’t raining rain to me,
It’s raining roses down.

It isn’t raining rain to me,
But fields of clover bloom
Where any buccaneering bee
May find a bed and room.
A health unto the happy,
A fig for him who frets —
It isn’t raining rain to me,
It’s raining violets.

Here are our top 10 daffodils to grow…

ERLICHEER

With several petite double flowers gracing each stem and a fragrance that is entirely intoxicating, this is my number one pick and the narcissus I most look forward to filling my home with. 

ART DESIGN

Buttery soft yellow ruffles that get better and better as it opens. It is like rich, fluffy, fresh churned cream.

CHROMACOLOR

On a cloudy day, the bright orange cup is a source of irrefutable good cheer.

PRECOCIOUS

Pearly white petals and a coral ruffled cup, it has the sweetest shape and looks so beautiful in bouquets.

POPEYE

This has been a long standing favorite of mine, yet it gets very little recognition. It has a lemon yellow double trumpet filled with single layer white petals. It is incredibly beautiful as it opens. I will always grow this one.

PEACH COBBLER

All the layers. Juicy peach and creamy white, it is truly a spectacular variety.

BRITISH GAMBLE

The most delicate pink and chiffon yellow grace this ever so elegant variety.

DRAMA QUEEN

The color on this one is so good. It’s equally mesmerizing in a field and in a vase.

LINGERIE

Layers upon layers of petals. It is truly remarkable. The fullest daffodil I’ve ever grown. It manages to stand tall even in rain.

PROSECCO

Petite in size making it a stunner in small bouquets or vases, the petals shimmer in the most delicate shade of peachy pink.

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