Blooms have been sighted

ATLANTA – Small in size, but big in beauty — the Narcissus x odorus, more commonly known as Campernelli daffodil, made its first appearance on Interstate 75 at the I-20 interchange.

This is just one variety of two more to follow; Narcissus “Carlton” and Narcissus “Ice Follies” daffodils will soon pop up to add to the cheerful splendor of yellow and white blooms along Georgia roadsides.

Last fall, the Georgia Department of Transportation planted over 200,000 daffodil bulbs on Georgia roadsides to extend the season of blooming flowers and give motorists more varieties to enjoy during their drive.

While Georgians are accustomed to blossoming Black-eyed Susans, Cosmos and Poppies, Georgia DOT landscape architects decided to do something new.

“Everyone loves daffodils,” said Bill Wright, Landscape Architect Manager. “In addition, they are proven Southern survivors, thriving year after year. We planted Narcissus “Ice Follies,” Narcissus x odorus and Narcissus “Carlton” varieties as they are the most suitable and dependable in Georgia’s weather conditions.”

Motorists can look for daffodils at the following roadside locations around Georgia:
· Bibb County on I-75 in Macon
· Camden County on I-95 at the Welcome Center
· Chatham County on I-95 at the Welcome Center
· Cherokee County on I-575 at the Canton Exit
· Cherokee County on I-575 at the Airport Rd Exit
· Cobb County on I-75 at Windy Hill Rd
· Crisp County on US 19 in Cordele roadsides.
· Decatur County on US 84 in Bainbridge
· Dooly County on I-75 in Vienna
· Dougherty County on US 19 in Albany
· Glynn County on I-95 at the Rest Area
· Glynn County on 25 Spur in Brunswick/St.
· Gwinnett County on I-85 at Steve Reynolds Blvd.
· Gwinnett County on I-85 at Pleasant Hill Rd.
· Fulton County at I-75 at I-20 Interchange
· Fulton County on I-75 at Brookwood Split
· Fulton County on I-85 at Virginia Ave./Hartsfield Jackson Airport
· Fulton/DeKalb counties at I-285 and GA 400 interchange
· Laurens County on I-16 at Rest Area 87
· Lowndes County on I-75 at Georgia Gateway
· Muscogee County on I-85 at the Columbus Welcome Center
· Richmond County on I-20 at the Augusta Welcome Center
· Rockdale County on I-20 in Conyers
· Spalding County on US 19 & US 41 in Griffin
· Troup County on I-85 at the I-185 Split
· Tift County on I-75 in Tifton
· Turner County on I-75 at the Rest Area
· Union County on SR 515 in Blairsville

And here’s a caveat for the novice gardener who finds themselves with a daffodil garden of their own.

After the daffodil bloom fades, resist the urge to cut off the foliage. Wait until it turns yellow, as this is when the bulb stores energy from the sun in preparation for the next year’s bloom.

Planting daffodils and wildflowers are part of the Georgia DOT Wildflower Program funded solely by sales of the Wildflower Auto Tag. The tag is available at local county tag offices for a one-time $25 fee, and can be purchased anytime of year.

Support the Wildflower Program by planting a Black-eyed Susan on the back of your vehicle. Purchase a wildflower tag to help keep Georgia’s roads blooming beautiful. For more information, visit www.dot.state.ga.us or http://www.etax.dor.ga.gov.

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