Warmer weather…birds chirping…baseball games… these are all signs of the spring season. And for this week's Know Ohio, we slip on those flip flops and sunglasses for one of Ohio's unique signs of spring.
We've had quite a wet and soggy week, but you know what they say right? April showers bring May flowers... or maybe it should be April flowers as bursts of bright yellow daffodils this month signals our transition from winter to spring.
The Latin name for daffodil is thought to have been inspired by - Narcissus, a figure in Greek mythology. He's said to have fallen in love with his reflection. The nodding head of the daffodil is said to represent Narcissus bending down and gazing at his reflection.
In Ohio, daffodils enhance the beauty of spring, especially on Lake View Cemetery's Daffodil Hill. Since the 1940's, Daffodil Hill has grown from 6,000 bulbs to 100,000 with volunteers helping to plant 2,000 bulbs each year. The bright flowers blanket the nearly 300 acres of land, and it's free to the public.
In Dayton, Ohio, you'll find a popular daffodil park that is known by flower enthusiasts around the world. On the grounds of Cox Arboretum Metropark, there are 60,000 daffodils (and a few tulips).
And if you're looking to get outside and go for a run or a maybe a walk with your dog, there's even a trail that features the bright flower. In a few weeks, daffodil trail in Richfield will be blooming with nearly 40,000 bulbs... that should make your run a little more enjoyable.