Originally compiled in 1991 by Carol Ray and updated by Denise Rhea Carter 2010. Initial funding provided by The Five Rivers Woman’s Club with proceeds to be used for county beautification projects sponsored by the Daffodil Festival Committee. (All rights reserved 1991, 2010)
The daffodils arrive
The history of the daffodil in Gloucester County is almost as old as the county itself. When Gloucester was formed in 1651 from part of York County the early settlers brought these soft reminders of English springs as they established themselves in the area. The soil and weather conditions were ideal for daffodils. The bulbs were passed from neighbor to neighbor and spread from the orderly beds and burying grounds of the great houses to the fields. Some, such as the hardy Trumpet Major variety, seemed to thrive on neglect. By the beginning of the 20th century daffodils grew wild in the untended fields of Gloucester. It is from this abundance of natural beauty that grew the extensive daffodil i...