White daffodils

One of the stranger complaints I've received at the Gardens is that we had too many white daffodils, and not enough yellow ones. A woman came in and asked if white daffodils turned yellower as they opened. The answer was no. "Then some fool must have gone crazy with the white ones" she replied.
     This person was under the impression that all 'real' daffodils are bright yellow - the old King Alfred strain that, although cheerful, can be a bit loud in some settings. Woodland, for example. I've written before about Wordsworth's daffodils, and that what he saw would in no way be bright yellow King Alfreds, but the quieter, paler "Lent lily", Narcissus pseudo-narcissus, that is native to England.

 

Narcissus 'Thalia'

 

  There are so many narcissus cultivars now that it seems a pity to just plant swathes of one kind. The paler narcissus are quietly refreshing, and 'good-doers' too. I'm enjoying a white narcissus called 'Thalia' at the moment - it really is lovely, almost orchid-like. Unfortunately, it seems to have a virus causing little brown marks on leaves and flowers, so I should destroy the bulbs after flowering, or put them in quarantine in some out of the way place and see what happens next year.
P.S. Noticed that the pansies planted in the same pot also have a virus-y look. Perhaps there's something in the soil. Must throw the soil out and scrub the pot well.

 

Just picked this morning, delicate pale narcissus and a few hellebores. Most of this bouquet are 'Earlicheer' with 'Thalia', one 'Soleil d'Or and some unnamed daffodils from previous gardeners.

Magnolia 'San Jose' is in its last magnificent throes, this photo was taken from the conservatory (the best viewing place) hence the odd window reflection at the bottom. And the end of my washing line, which should be full of drying cushion covers if only I can get off my bum and go and wash them!