Marathon Daffodils Project

Just learned of the Marathon Daffodil Project and thought IGC members may be interested in how gardeners are bring beauty and hope. I hear the Mass Federation of Garden Clubs will also support this effort. Perhaps we as a club might decide to donate as well. It would be a wonderful way to honor those who  ran last April and those who will run again next Spring. Also it can honor our own Mitzi Marsh whose daughter was injured in the race's bombings.

 

From Boston.com    August 12th, 2013

The Boston Marathon route will shine like the sun next year, if local gardeners have their way. Several groups, including the Massachusetts Horticultural Society and the New England Wild Flower Society, are recruiting volunteers and asking for donations to help support the planting of more than 100,000 daffodils along the marathon route.

“A lot of us wanted to do something to commemorate the marathon for 2014, and we support the runners and we wanted to do something to lift their spirits and beautify the city at the same time,” said Diane Valle, volunteer organizer for Marathon Daffodils.

Organizers hope to raise $26,500 -- $1,000 for each mile of the route -- to pay for the bulbs, which will need to be planted between October and December, said Valle, a Charlestown resident.

The type chosen for planting is the 'Dutch Master' because it is the right shade of Marathon yellow, she said, and should bloom in time for the big event.
“And, of course, we’re asking for Mother Nature to cooperate, which is a challenge but we’re going to work on good faith,” said Valle.

Tower Hill Botanic Garden, The Massachusetts Horticultural Society, New England Wildflower Society, The Garden Club Federation, The Town of Brookline Parks, The Charles River Conservancy and other groups are collaborating on the effort.
Donations may be sent to The Cooperative Bank, 201 Main Street, Charlestown, MA 02129.