Spring is in the air and daffodils remind us of that. Nature's beauty is with us. I can still see my mother, Lois, watching my children collect bouquets of what she called Easter flowers. The smiles that my children showed their grandmother will always be in my heart.

Today as those natural flowers of early spring show themselves I too love to see them along roadways and old home sites.

Daffodils are known also as jonquils and white narcissus. So let's talk about starting our own spring delight of daffodils. These plants like well drained locations. They will tolerate some shade but prefer sunny locations. Slightly acidic soil with composted organic matter makes a great site. The heavy compost of leaves on many abandoned home sites is really an ideal place for these flowers.

Daffodils are planted in the fall about 2-4 inches deep. I have moved some in spring successfully but fall is the ideal time. Apply mulch over the area and water thoroughly. Care of the plants after blooming is cut the tops back after leaves start to yellow. Waiting until after this time allows the bulbs to store energy. Not much else is necessary except one may want to divide them on occasion to spread the warmth they bring in the spring.

One should dig the bulbs in spring and store the bulbs in a cool location until fall where they then can be planted.

Your heart my not smile when you see daffodils but I promise they will bring a twinkle to your eye as winter says good-bye and spring comes alive.

So why not dig some bulbs this spring?