With its vibrant yellow petals and trumpet-shaped blooms, the Welsh have great fondness for the daffodil and has been part of Wales culture and recognised as the national flower for generations. Beyond its eye catching a cheery beauty though, it also represents the spirit of symbolic sense of for hope and rejuvenation.
Normally you would say daffodils start to bloom in early spring and so tend to coincide with St David’s Day, 1st March, a colourful day in the Welsh calendar where we celebrate the patron Saint of Wales, St David. But there are early varieties that bloom anywhere from late December in sheltered areas adding a touch of cheer, especially when they pop their heads through the snow, but whenever they bloom, you always know it a sign of warmer days ahead.
Cultural delights: In Wales, the daffodil is more than just a pretty flower, it’s an important symbol of national pride.
The association between daffodils and Wales dates back centuries but the single headed bloom has sparked many debates over the years.
One being the connection between the daffodil and the leek (another Welsh treasure) as its Welsh name is ‘cenninen pedr’ which translates to ‘St Peter’s Leek’ which has lead to people wearing them when leeks were and still are traditionally worn on St David’s Day.
But whatever the reason, these charming flowers have become a wonderful feature in gardens and the countryside not just throughout Wales but throughout the UK.
More than sunshine: Apart from being a favourite flower of a spring garden; they hold a sweet fragrant and are indeed versatile, as beyond its cultural significance, research in the last few years suggests that daffodils may hold healing benefits for individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Studies have shown the compound this yellow beauty holds, moderately slows the decline in early-stage cases of the disease offering hope for the future, and are being farmed more in certain parts of Wales, due to the climate. The healing properties of nature and its plants are truly amazing, aren’t they?
Conservation Efforts: Despite its popularity, the wild daffodil unfortunately faces threats from habitat loss, climate change and unsustainable harvesting practices like many other wonderful plants, flowers and wildlife.
Wild daffodils are natural woodland plants found in Western Europe, including England and Wales. The true wild daffodil is notably smaller, with its trumpet a deeper yellow than its surrounding petals.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect wild daffodil populations and ensure their continued survival for future generations to enjoy and so it’s essential to leave them undisturbed and refrain from picking them how ever tempted you may be.
You’ll never be far from seeing daffodils when exploring the picturesque beauty of Carmarthenshire, especially around Cwmdu as you journey along the country lanes, you’ll often spot the golden hues of daffodils along the roadside.
Why not relax and unwind in the tranquillity of nature and witness daffodils and other woodland and wildflowers in blooms throughout the seasons at Erwain Escapes, all adding a vibrant touch to your peaceful retreat.
