From: Garland
Subject: Too Soon Too Cruel A Cut
Message Body:
What steps/fertilize/protocol could I use to ameliorate the too early loss of green growth. Today, a new yard crew reaped sorrow and despair. The last daffodil blooms withered two weeks ago.
Thank you.
Garland
I have experienced the same trouble in a town park where I live. Probably 6-7 years ago, some boy scouts and town leaders helped plant some daffodils that I donated. The next spring–they were cut early by grass mowers and weed whackers. I realized that most of the workers cutting grass and weed whacking were from Central America. They knew what a yucca plant was, but thought a daffodil was a weed. Cutting the foliage early for several years cause the plant to weaken and eventually it dies.
After seeing that for about two years, I have resorted to every spring sending a letter to the town asking that daffodils not be cut down until after Memorial Day. I sent some pictures of what daffodil foliage looked like. The result was some of the daffodils were saved. Many were lost–but at least there are some left to bloom, and it has taken a number of years for the ones that survived to return back to blooming size. Next year should see several nice blooming clumps for people to enjoy.
Perhaps the management or those who control the grass cutting would appreciate hearing from you early enough to remind them not to cut the daffodils until at least a month+ after they have bloomed. I have decided to do that at the start of the growing season every year–it has been received by the management.