Narcissus a month late
The white blooms of narcissus, also known as “paperwhites,” usually make their debut at the Skupien homestead in January. This year I had given up on seeing the tiny yellow cups surrounded by cheerful white petals. But just a few days ago, they started blooming.
Our variety of narcissus closeup
Their yellow daffodil cousins were right on schedule, however. Now I have narcissus and daffodils blooming at the same time – a first for me. I needed photograph evidence. Logistics plotted against me. Time limitations, angle of the sun, droopy daffodils, some kind of briars I have yet to attack. Ack!
First attempt.
Nope, had to try again. The backlit white blossoms were just not showing up.
Second attempt.
My knees said, “Pick a bouquet and snap a pix of the flowers in a vase for heaven’s sake.” I said, “One more try.”
Final try: Narcissus and daffodils blooming together
I also did a sniff test of the white blooms, something it had never occurred to me to do before a January encounter (Jan. 23, 2011, post) with paperwhites in Fairhope, AL.
A Fairhope narcissus
Mine don’t look the same. But like the Fairhope blooms, the scent, up close, is cloyingly sweet, not a particularly pleasing odor. Fortunately, my enjoyment is visual, so I will continue to welcome their arrival, whether parading as narcissus or paperwhites, whether on time or late.
Beautiful photos! A true reminder that spring is really just around the corner :)
ReplyDeleteMy mother-in-law grew both of these kinds of flowers in her yard for many years. Your photos make me think of her.
wow both at one time. miracle flowers. i can just see you trying to get them all in on shot. beautiful, i love daffodils, i call then jonquils as did my monther, never had any narcissa but they are every bit as pretty and i can see the relationship, sisters..
ReplyDeleteThis is a good sign for those just North of you. We have been veering between 75 and 23. Dianne
ReplyDeleteHow on earth did you manage that last group picture? I can't figure it out. Because the white ones look much closer behind the yellow, like they were moved. they seem way further back in the earlier pictures. I still can't believe anything at all is blooming in this winter! It is snowing here.
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love daffodils! Thanks for the photos!
ReplyDeleteTwo of my favorite flowers by far. They just say Spring to me. I agree with the cloying sweet smell. I had a bouquet of them last year and both Hubby and I sneezed and couldn't be around them. The finally got relagated to the living room where we don't sit very often. What a shame. visual YES, Smell no!
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