Daffodils
While not native, a beloved spring perennial is the daffodil. These often bright yellow flowers are a bellwether that spring is coming—a sign of hope after a long winter. They are also an important part of placemaking and the stories we tell and remember about spring.
Like the daffodils in our yards, those popping up in roadside ditches, or lining the now-invisible foundations of long-gone houses in the woods, daffodils evoke memories of hope and special places.
The same is true of the daffodils that mark the start of spring at many of Capital Trees’ projects. As we dig out from a snowy and icy winter, we wanted to celebrate the many hands that have made the daffodils in our landscapes a reality—from our earliest days to today.
Here is a bit of the history behind the daffodils you may see.
Early Daffodils at the Low Line
Some of the first daffodils were installed along the Low Line Gardens as the project was developing. In fact, the first flowers to bloom up and down the linear gardens were daffodils.
Over time, they were replaced with the cultivated perennial beds we love today, but these small yellow daffodils are still present along the Low Line near the overhang and adjacent to Dock Street.
They remain a quiet reminder of the earliest days of the project and the many hands—especially those of our founders—who helped bring the gardens to life.
The Lovely Lynden Daffodils
Headed to the Low Line soon? Keep an eye out for our Lovely Lynden daffodils.
These special narcissus were named for Lynden Miller to honor her life’s work creating beautiful and inspiring urban landscapes. Lynden is a celebrated garden designer, author, and greenspace advocate. She led the restoration of the Central Park Conservatory Garden, and her work has shaped how many people think about the role of gardens in public space.
Lynden has also been a friend and mentor to Capital Trees since our early days. Her expertise in creating thriving public gardens—and building the volunteer communities that help sustain them—has inspired many of us.
You may notice that these aren’t your average daffodils. The unique narcissus were propagated by Brent and Becky’s Bulbs and can be found at the Low Line and in select gardens in New York. Like all daffodils, they have a short blooming period. If you want to catch a glimpse of them this year, don’t wait.
Because these daffodils have flourished over the years, we have divided and shared them—planting them at our next major project, Hotchkiss Green, to continue the story and memories there.
Lovely Lynden daffodils
A Gift at Great Shiplock Park
When you return to Great Shiplock Park, you are welcomed by another story of generosity. In 2024 , SiteOne Landscape Supply donated a large number of landscape mix daffodil bulbs at the end of the planting season. Those bulbs were planted around the rain garden, where they now return in full force each spring—adding early color and reminding us how partnerships help our landscapes grow.
Historic Daffodils at Shiplock
Capital Trees is grateful for the donation by the Virginia Daffodil Society to install historically appropriate daffodils in the median at Great Shiplock Park over two years.
Here you will find varieties such as Stella, Sir Watkin, Emperor, Empress, Conspicuus, and Ornatus. All of these cultivars were registered between 1850 and 1880, when Richmond’s canal and lock system was active and Shiplock was a thriving place along the river.
Planting these historic varieties helps connect the landscape to Richmond’s past while also creating opportunities for education and interpretation.
Va Daffodil Society made these selections with the broader planting design in mind. Many of these daffodils are yellow and bloom early to mid-season, complementing the primarily white, later-blooming daffodils found along the Low Line. The exception is Ornatus, a distinctive poeticus daffodil that blooms even later in the season.
Together, these varieties represent several daffodil divisions recognized by the Royal Horticultural Society, showcasing the remarkable diversity of this beloved spring flower.
Planning Your Visit to See Daffodil Blooms
Each cultivar of daffodil blooms only for a short while, but we plant early, mid, and late blooming varieties to extend their season. Typically, you can spot daffodil blooms at Great Shiplock Park, the Low Line, and Hotchkiss Green from late February to mid April.
