23,000

The number of daffodil bulbs planted in Amherst for the town's 250th anniversary celebration. Planted last fall, they are now blooming all around town and look amazing! This effort coordinated volunteers from UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture, local landscapers, and many private citizens. Featured on the town common, parks, and countless other locations around town, the three varieties of daffodils planted are now brightening up the spring landscape. Of all the activities planned for the 250th anniversary celebration, this will be the one most available to all and the most long-lasting. Even if you don't have time to attend any of the anniversary talks, scavenger hunts, or even go to the parade, everyone in town will probably drive or walk by at least one patch of blooming daffodils this May. Poisonous to squirrels and chimpmunks--often known to eat other spring bulbs such as tulips--daffodils will continue to multiply and bloom every year unless they are dug up. Many of the daffodils planted in October will outlive the volunteers who planted them and some might even be around for the 300th anniversary celebration! That is what I call a great investment. Thank you, Dolly Jolly, for dreaming up this fantastic legacy!