As you passed through Suffield and West Suffield in early May, did the bright, happy faces of thousands of daffodils catch your eye? Thanks to The Suffield Garden Club, townspeople will be able to enjoy this sunny sight for years to come.
Travelers on Rt. 159 enjoyed this cheerful view near Hilltop Farm in early May as 900 “Sunny” variety daffodils bloomed.
“The Club was looking to reinvest profits from the 2022 Christmas House Tour back into the community,” said project co-chair Sue Mayne. “We chose daffodils because of their bright colors and hardy nature.”
“They also return each year, and they multiply on their own,” added project co-chair Joyce Zein.
The committee chose strategic locations to ensure spots of color were evenly dispersed around town. “Daffodils thrive in areas that are not treated with herbicides or fertilizers, making them the perfect choice for grassy roadsides,” said Sue. The Club sought permission to plant before proceeding.
A variety of different color palettes were chosen to complement each location, and Design-A-Scape of Agawam was hired to plant the bulbs in the Fall of 2023. Over 40 hours of labor was needed to prepare the ground, plant the bulbs and cover the beds with topsoil and grass seed.
Blooming in the Spring of 2024:
- 1,200 bulbs at the St. Joseph Cemetery on Hill Street
- 500 bulbs at the top of Mountain Road next to the cemetery
- 800 bulbs at Woodlawn Cemetery on Bridge Street
- 900 bulbs next to the Hilltop Farm on Rt 159
- 600 bulbs at Mountain Burying Ground on Phelps Road
“The Garden Club’s purpose is the beautification of Suffield,” added Club President Marie Gauthier. “The beauty of the daffodils will enhance our town for years to come.”
The Suffield Garden Club is a non-profit organization. New members are welcome! To become a member or to learn more, visit www.SuffieldGardenClub.org.