Daffodils
In early February to late March 2007, Georgians witnessed small floral cups bursting of yellow emerging from the ground heralding spring and warmer days that lie ahead. In an effort to extend the window of blooming flowers along the roadsides, Georgia DOT landscape architects chose daffodils which require little maintenance and are simple to plant.
They called on the expertise of Jaydee Ager, Executive Director of the American Daffodil Society and former President of the Garden Club of Georgia, to help choose the best varieties for Georgia roadsides. With her insight, they selected Narcissus ‘Ice Follies’, Narcissus x odorus Linnaeus (Campernelli), and Narcissus ‘Carlton’ varieties as the most suitable and dependable.
“The daffodil varieties selected will tolerate the harsh roadside environment and they will come back each spring,” said Ager. “Georgia DOT officials made an environmentally sound, economical decision to add popular daffodils to their ongoing roadside beautification effort.”
These three daffodil varieties are favorites of southern gardeners. ‘Ice Follies’ is distinguished by their white petals and yellow cups that mature to almost pure white. Narcissus x odorus Linnaeus (Campernelli), which has up to three yellow blooms per stem, is a historic species that settlers brought with them from Europe. ‘Carlton’ is the world’s most numerous daffodil variety and is recognized by a large two-toned yellow bloom.
Where does the Garden Grow?
In the winter of 2006, Georgia DOT crews and contractors planted over 200,000 daffodil bulbs around the state. Motorists can look for daffodils at the following roadside locations around Georgia:
• Bibb County on I-75 in Macon
• Camden County on I-95 at the Welcome Center
• Chatham County on I-95 at the Welcome Center
• Cherokee County on I-575 at the Canton Exit
• Cherokee County on I-575 at the Airport Rd Exit
• Cobb County on I-75 at Windy Hill Rd.
• Crisp County on US 19 in Cordele
• Decatur County on US 84 in Bainbridge
• Dooly County on I-75 in Vienna
• Dougherty County on US 19 in Albany
• Glynn County on I-95 at the Rest Area
• Glynn County on 25 Spur in Brunswick/St. Simons
• Gwinnett County on I-85 at Steve Reynolds Blvd.
• Gwinnett County on I-85 at Pleasant Hill Rd.
• Fulton County at I-75 at I-20 Interchange
• Fulton County on I-75 at Brookwood Split
• Fulton County on I-85 at Virginia Ave./Hartsfield Jackson Airport
• Fulton/DeKalb counties at I-285 and GA 400 interchange
• Laurens County on I-16 at Rest Area 87
• Lowndes County on I-75 at Georgia Gateway
• Muscogee County on I-85 at the Columbus Welcome Center
• Richmond County on I-20 at the Augusta Welcome Center
• Rockdale County on I-20 in Conyers
• Spalding County on US 19 & US 41 in Griffin
• Troup County on I-85 at the I-185 Split
• Tift County on I-75 in Tifton
• Turner County on I-75 at the Rest Area
• Union County on SR 515 in Blairsville