The daffodil days are coming back, bigger than ever and with an ambitious focus to line the entire Boston Marathon route. The project is called Marathon Daffodils.
Inspired by last Spring’s Daffodil Day on the North End Parks, Marathon Daffodils is a collaboration of nonprofit organizations, gardeners, cities and towns, organizations, businesses, and citizens interested in preserving the spirit of the Boston Marathon and Boston Strong, while embracing the tradition of celebrating the arrival of Spring to Boston.
Some of Massachusetts top horticultural organizations, partnering with communities and volunteers plan to plant daffodils along the 26.5 mile Boston Marathon route, to create a new event “Marathon Daffodils.” Tower Hill Botanic Garden, The Massachusetts Horticultural Society, The Garden Club Federation, The Town of Brookline Parks, The Charles River Conservancy and other groups have agreed to collaborate. The goal is to raise $1000 per mile for a total of $26,500 from Hopkinton to Boston.
“We want to do something to lift the spirits of the community, in support of Boston Marathon 2014 and Boston Strong,” said Diane Valle, volunteer and organizer.
Organizers hope the North End will also be splendid in yellow daffodils for Marathon weekend. The North End Beautification Committee and FOTNEP have supported Marathon Daffodils. The North End Chamber of Commerce has also been asked to support and participate. Local artist Nate Swain is looking at painting a Marathon Daffodil mural.
Thousands of marathoners and visitors come to the North End on Marathon weekend. Valle says, “It will be nice to welcome them with yellow, cheerful daffodils, symbolic of Boston Strong and our community’s ability to recover and Boston’s residents’ remarkable willingness to care for one another.”
“We are excited to participate,” said Kathy Abbott, Executive Director of Tower Hill Botanic Garden, “because we believe Marathon Daffodils represent Spring and rebirth. This is a great community building opportunity.”
“With the support of the communities, the planting of daffodils is to commence in October and continue through December, along the route, and hopefully throughout our communities,” said Kathy Thomas, Past Garden Club Federation President and horticultural activist.
Plans include outreach to supporters and volunteers from young to old; and novices to Master Gardeners; to plant daffodils. “Marathon Daffodil” donations are welcome, sent to The Cooperative Bank, 201 Main Street, Charlestown, MA 02129.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Diane Valle at Marathondaffodils@gmail.com.
I love this idea! I think I’ll plant my own daffodil tribute in my front yard. It’s going to be a beautiful spring!