Spring in Julian—Daffodils Are Blooming

When the bright shock of yellow begins to show around the mining town of Julian, it is a sign that spring is on the way.

Perky Trumpet daffodils are blooming along state Route 79 from Santa Ysabel on up the hill and in front of Mom’s Pies in Wynola. Everywhere you look in Julian, there are yellow and creamy narcissus plants (Amaryllidaceae) in front of the Town Hall, the Julian Coffeehouse, Post Office, Dr. Merrick’s office and in yards and on hillsides.

The daffodil is considered a symbol of hope and renewal—the American Cancer Society has official “Daffodil Days” for example. Julian’s daffodil planting began in 1990 when resident, master gardener, artist, and educator Sally Snipes wanted to create a project in memory of her father, Jack Snipes, a community gardener himself.

Snipes considered several different plants before settling on the daffodil due to its hardiness. Originally a Mediterranean plant brought to Britain by the Romans, the daffodil likes warm, dry summers and cold winters.

“It is poisonous to rodents and rabbits; nothing eats it,” says Snipes. In fact, according to Carol Nagy, Snipes’ master gardener business partner with Mountain Greener, the only detriment to the daffodil is the weed whacker.

“I found a bulb company that would give me one free bushel of bulbs for every 10 purchased, so I put an ad in the Julian News for people to purchase,” says Snipes. “I got enough orders that first year for fourteen free bushels of bulbs,” Snipes laughs. “Then, I put another ad in the paper for volunteers to help plant!”

Snipes continues to take orders for the bulbs, and every fall volunteers gather at new sites around the community with bags of bulbs and fish meal. Mother Nature takes care of the rest.

Snipes’ tribute to her father comes full circle this year during the annual Julian Daffodil Show where she showcases one of several dozen American Daffodil Society varieties, including the Jack Snipe daffodil, coincidentally with a similar name to her father's.

Daffodil lovers can see many varieties up close at the Julian Town Hall from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 26-27 during the annual Daffodil Show. Daffodils may be brought to the Town Hall, 2129 Main St. on March 25 for judging. Admission is free. For more information, contact the Julian Chamber of Commerce at 760-765-1857.