The emergence of spring is something we all look forward to as we watch the buds pop open, the leaves begin to emerge on the trees, and the flowers come out looking for the sun. Gloucester County has long been known for its relationship with the idyllic symbol of spring, the daffodil flower. There is a rich history of daffodils being grown throughout the county that initially began for the cut flower market back in the early 1900s. Throughout the years, the association between Gloucester County and the daffodil has been embraced as the daffodil is celebrated every spring during the Daffodil Festival. Mid- March to mid-April is usually peak daffodil viewing time and a trip through the county is sure to bring delight from many blooming daffodils that have been planted throughout the years. Check out the Daffodil Driving Tour put together by the local Gloucester Daffodil Club to find the best viewing areas.
The Heath family has been an integral part of daffodil history since 1900 when Charles Heath moved to the area and began growing daffodils. His love of daffodils was taken on by his son, George and George’s wife, Katie, who continued the family business. In the 1970s, their son Brent, who had also developed a passion for this spring ephemeral, continued the daffodil business and was eventually joined by his wife, Becky. Brent and Becky have grown their business from being solely daffodils to now include a wide variety of spring and summer blooming bulbs as well as tropical and perennial plants. They source different varieties of bulbs and plants from all over the world and ship nationwide. Brent and Becky welcomed their son, Jay, and his wife, Denise, to join their team in 2001 and together they have continued to grow the business. While most of the business operates behind the scenes and online, you can visit Brent and Becky’s local retail store, The Bulb Shoppe and Gardens, in Gloucester from February through mid-December.
The Bulb Shoppe was opened in 2003 by Brent and Becky’s daughter-in-law, Denise, as a local avenue to pick up orders, as well as purchase bulbs and other gardening related items. Over the years the retail space has evolved and grown. In 2007, the development of the display gardens began and has evolved into a beautiful area to visit and see how to use different plant combinations in a variety of gardening situations. The gardens were designed to be an educational tool for gardeners, but are also used to host field trips, workshops, weddings and other private events, as well as the Gloucester Wine Festival in the fall. The Bulb Shoppe provides a local venue for one of the largest bulb displays in the spring and fall, as well as tools, books, jewelry, gift items, stationary, home décor, and more. It is well worth the visit to experience the gardens, garden shop, and retail greenhouse to see all it has to offer for you!
As spring begins to unfurl in the Tidewater area, the most recognizable of the spring flowers remains the daffodil, quickly followed by the tulip. There are many wonderful, different types of spring flowers waiting to catch your eye! The classic yellow daffodil is the most eye-catching, but many also adore the different color combinations available of whites, pinks, yellows, and oranges. Tulips can come in a variety of sizes and pretty much any color of the rainbow! Some other wonderful spring blooming flowers to look for include:
Anemones (windflowers) are available in shades of white, pink, purple, and red. These spring blooming flowers pop up and put a smile on anyone’s face! The shorter blanda varieties provide a spring groundcover and the taller coronaria varieties are great in flower arrangements.
Hyacinths and Muscari (Grape Hyacinths) are well known spring flowers. The larger hyacinths have a fragrance that almost defines spring! The smaller grape hyacinths are not as fragrant but these cute little flower clusters will enhance any spring pot or garden border.
Iris, Dutch and Dwarf! The dwarf irises bloom in early spring bringing in color when not much is to be found. They also force easily and can be enjoyed indoors as well. The later blooming (think Mother’s Day), larger Dutch iris provide a happy spot in the garden and are wonderful in arrangements.
Leucojum (snowflake) is one of the most often asked-about flowers in the spring garden. A cousin to the daffodil, these flowers are also critter proof! The small, dangling white bell flowers add a great accent to any part to full-sun garden.
But, the show does not have to stop in the spring! Continue your garden throughout the rest of the year by planting summer-blooming bulbs and perennials. Unlike spring-flowering bulbs that are planted in the fall, these items are planted in the spring after the last frost, roughly mid-April.
Dahlias, like tulips, come in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. They provide flowers all summer long but come into their full bloom glory as the nights grow cooler in late summer. A beautiful addition to any full sun garden and fun to use as cut flowers.
Gladiolus provide a linear element to the garden and arrangements. They come in a variety of colors and, if planted in intervals, can provide a long blooming season.
Zantedeschia (Calla Lilies) are classically known as a large, white, vase shaped flower. Through the years, many new varieties have been introduced providing an array of colors and sizes to this classic beauty.
And we cannot forget Lilies! With this genus the possibilities seem to be endless…fragrant or not and with a wide variety of colors, sizes and shapes! You can find something to fit any gardening situation.
Even if you are in the planning stages of your garden, or just tweaking an existing garden, Brent and Becky’s should be on your list of stops this spring for gardening ideas, great advice, and a wide array of other products to make your gardening hobby as enjoyable as possible. And, if you are not one that likes to garden, but still wants to appreciate the beauty of nature, this is a great stop for you as well!