Bloom Day March 2011 was grey and cloudy. And then, there was a windy day that was just exhausting said the daffodils. But this is their time to shine so I can’t simply ignore bloom day.

Almost every year I get asked what the difference between daffodils and jonquils?

Is narcissus the same as daffodil?

Narcissus: (Narcissus sp.) All daffodils, jonquils, and paperwhites are Narcissus genus. The genus Narcissus is a member of the Amaryllis family. Many folks use the word Narcissus when they are talking about paperwhites.

Daffodils: is the common name for all Narcissus bulbs. All daffodils are narcissus. When I hear the word “daffodil,” those large, trumpet-shaped flowers Narcissus pseudonarcissus come to mind.

Jonquils: are a specific type of daffodil known as Narcissus jonquilla. They are most easily identified by their dark green, tube-shaped leaves as compared to other types of daffodils which have flat leaves.

So, all jonquils are daffodils but not all daffodils are johnquils.

There are about a gazillion folks particpating in Bloom Day. You can’t see them all every month unless you are unemployed, retired, or a speed reader.

To visit other Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day participants, visit our host Carol at May Dreams Garden.

I always wanted to live somewhere where I could grow pine trees and magnolias. Really, I have lived most of my life in that area of the country, or very close to it. Of course, the little ones I planted will surely out live me. This little magnolia tree is loaded with bright white blooms and barely 3 feet tall.

Reluctant bloomers

It’s “slim pickins” in the garden as my grandmother used to say. But I have the random daffodil returning for a repeat performance this year. Most of the little sunny dafs are holding out for blue skies and warmer weather. Some grape hyacinth and crocus are waiting in the wings for spring days filled with sunshine and birdsong.

This single plant has more than a dozen buds waiting to bloom.

I’m taking these photos for Bloom Day but most of these bulbs will have come and gone between Bloom Days.

There are early bloomers protected by the old trees, but the ones out in the yard are waiting, waiting, like me.

The earliest daffodils are leading the bulb bloom.

I’m sort of a homeless blogger this week as I get a new site up and running. These things always take more time than you think (like weeding and watering.)

Most of all I wanted to share this volunteer parsley. I’ve never had parsley that is indeed it’s true self; a biennial. I let last years second year parsley reseed. The plant was enormous, growing three or four times larger than my little “annual parsley.” The reseeded parsley is weeks ahead of the plants I am patiently waiting to sprout from seed. This year, I soaked the seed for 24 hours be for planting in the seed tray.

This is my herb growing tip of the month: Drain the soaked seed on a coffee filter. Seeds won’t stick to the filter like they do to paper towels.

Parsley and chives are up and growing before other herbs.

Seeds drained on coffee filters do not stick to the filter.

Q   What is the difference between daffodils and narcissus? They are the same. Narcissus is the Latin or botanical name for all daffodils. Daffodil is the common name for the genus Narcissus.

Old House Gardens has heirloom bulbs and will consume hours of your time reading and learning about these rare beauties.

is one of my favorite bulb buying sites because daffodils and tulips just need to be planted in massColor Blends.

This is a practice post.