Daffodils by Naomi Slade

/ karen

Book Review and giveaway.

Published by Pavilion/ Harper Collins

Photographs by Georgianna Lane

Hardback 240 pages. RRP £25

Published 13 March 2024

Can there ever be anything more cheerful than the first sign of daffodils in spring. I sigh with relief as soon as they emerge from the recently frozen, muddy ground. The worst of the winter is behind us. Spring is well and truly on the way. We have come through the cold, dark days and survived the winter once more.

Naomi Slade’s latest book is a joyful celebration of daffodils. Colour springs from every page with the wonderful photography of Georgianna Lane combined with the glorious descriptions by the award-winning author. It really is the kind of book you’d want to leave open on a different page every day. Just to gaze at the photographs and read Naomi’s words is like a balm.

Contents page

Naomi splits the daffodils into categories: charming and cheerful, ruffled and fluttering, demure and delicate, glorious and glowing. There are sections on the history of narcissus, as well as growing advice, and information on pests and diseases.

Excerpts from the book
Naomi describes 60 varieties with suggestions for planting, growing and cutting. The book would make a lovely gift for any fan of spring flowers, for gardeners, florists and collectors alike.
Actaea. One of my favourites.
Selected varieties are each given a page of description.
Delnashaugh – a large double cream and apricot variety. Ruffled and layered, makes a lovely flower for a vase or a bridesmaid’s posy.
Royal China. Introduced in 1997 by British grower Clive Postles. ‘The rounded petals present themselves in two overlapping layers, in a gentle shade of pearly white that sparkles subtly in the sunshine. The central corona, meanwhile, is exquisitely formed; ivory white along its length with a greenish yellow splash at the base and a crisp pink frill to the rim.”
Lilac Charm
Pink Paradise
Trigonometry
The ever-popular tete-a-tete
Katie Heath

Katie Heath is a muted palette of pink and cream. Lovely with willow twigs and catkins. “Named in honour of the mother of Brent Heath, who has himself found fame as one half of the well-known American bulb nursery duo that is Brent and Becky’s Bulbs.”

About the author and photographer

I can wholeheartedly recommend ‘Daffodils’ by Naomi Slade. It’s written in a cheerful, enthusiastic style with just the right amount of detail to answer all your questions.

Daffodils is the latest in a series written by a Naomi and photographed by Georgianna. Previously, I’ve reviewed Lilies, Dahlias, Ranunculus, and Chrysanthemums. There’s also Hydrangeas and Lilacs. This latest book is just as brilliant and inspiring as the others. A triumph again for this super talented duo!

Thank you for reading my blog. The publishers have kindly offered one copy to give away to readers. To be included in the prize draw, please leave a comment and your name below. Sorry, uk only. There’s no cash alternative and the publisher’s decision is final. The draw will be on Saturday 15th March 6pm. Please look back on Saturday to check if you have won. The prize will be redrawn on Sunday if there’s no reply from the winner.

I wrote about Lilies here:

https://bramblegarden.com/2021/05/25/lilies-book-review-and-giveaway/#:~:text=Stunning%20to%20look%20at%2C%20and,flowers%20reaching%20almost%20the%20roofline.

I wrote about Dahlias here:

https://bramblegarden.com/2018/06/24/dahlias-beautiful-varieties-for-home-and-garden/

Please remember to add your name at the end of comments as otherwise it comes out as ‘someone.’

23 thoughts on “Daffodils by Naomi Slade”

  1. Karen, daffodils are one of my favorite flowers! I love your blog and the book you’re writing about; it’s fantastic! As you rightly say, the extraordinary photos in the book are something to keep open and post every day: they warm your heart and soul. Thank you for letting us know about this wonderful and informative book. I’m going to read and check out the other books you mentioned and the ones you linked to: they must be very beautiful. Karen, I’m also very happy to be writing on your blogs again. I hope you and your family are well: my best wishes to you all. Happy gardening. Warmest regards from Margarita xxx

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  2. Karen, daffodils are one of my favorite flowers! I love your blog and the book you’re based on; it’s fantastic! As you rightly say, the extraordinary photos in the book are something to keep open and add one each day: they warm your soul and your heart. Thank you for introducing us to this wonderful and informative book. Karen, I’m also very happy to be writing on your blogs again. I hope you and your family are well: my best wishes to you all. Happy gardening. Warmest regards, Margarita xxx

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  3. i love daffodils . They appear every year around the old knurled tree at the bottom of my garden. As soon as I spot the sunbeam yellow I am filled with hope and excitement; like seeing an old friend again.

    Thank you for your book and sharing highlights. I think it will make the best gift for Easter. I had no idea there were so many beautiful varieties.

    Edel

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  4. So glad your review of this beautiful book and your blog came up on my Twitter feed! I had no idea there were so many varieties of daffodil. Thank you for featuring a photo of Delnashaugh – isn’t it exquisite! I’ve added it to my Plant Wish List…

    Kate S

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    • Thank you Kate. I must say, the book is like sunshine! It’s the most beautiful book produced this year! I love Delnashaugh too. I’ve looked into ordering some for the autumn planting season. Next spring is going to be so exciting! Thanks for reading my blog. Look out for more book reviews and giveaways soon. All the best. Karen

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  5. So glad your beautiful book came up in my Twitter feed, so that I’ve found your blog (and your other books too!) It looks absolutely gorgeous! I had no idea there were so many types of daffodil. Thank you for featuring a photo of Delnashaugh in your blog – exquisite.

    Kate S

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  6. Such stunning photography, really captures these beautiful flowers. This looks like a book really worth looking out for. Our local spring show each year has hundreds of varieties of daffodils on display – such a treat to visit.

    Lynn

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    • I’ve just attended the alpine garden society spring show and I loved the display of daffodils there. I’m going to join the society and have a go at growing some of the dwarf daffodils in pots. Thanks for reading my blog Lynn. Best wishes. Karen

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  7. Thanks for sharing this blog post with detailed review on X (twitter). I am in the USA so I can’t enter to win but want to let you know I did add this book to my ‘wish list’ to purchase soon. Your review is detailed and honest! Happy Gardening and I hope you add some more daffodils to your home garden after reading the book. Bren

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    • Thank you very much Bren. Yes, I’ve got my eye on quite a few new varieties. I had no idea there was such an amazing array of colours and forms available. I think it has kick started a new hobby, growing and showing daffodils. Thank you for reading my blog and for your kind comments which have made my day. 💚

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  9. I adore daffodils & have been slowly adding different (mostly historic) varieties to my orchard. They never fail to bring good cheer whether early or late varieties. Possibly my favourite flower. The book looks wonderful. Thank you for the review

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    • Thank you for reading my blog and this review. Your orchard sounds wonderful! I have the Tenby daffodil in the woodland copse areas of the garden. It’s looking very cheerful today. All the best. Karen

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    • It pretty amazing isn’t it Jean! Loved reading the book. I’ve got it open on the kitchen table. A different page each day. Sunshine, in a book! Have a great day. Thanks for reading my blog. x

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  11. Oh my, what a range of delicious daffs. I’d have no idea if you hadn’t shared this with us.This book would be grand to read and help select my autumn bulb buying as well as sharing with other gardeneing friends.

    I’ll see if it is available in our local library, and if not see if I can request it.

    Thanks for the heads up Karen!

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    • Thank you for reading my blog. Yes, I must admit, I had no idea how many different types there are in the world. It’s been a revelation. Such a lovely book to read at the kitchen table with a cup of mint tea and a slice of Mum’s fruit cake. Heaven! Look back on Saturday please.

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    • Thank you for reading my blog Noelle. There are lots of expert tips in the book. I’m sure we’ll both have more success in the future. Fingers crossed! I find the smaller, wilder ones come back every year. Tenby Daffodil is a good, reliable one. Please look back on Saturday for the book winner.

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Please leave a comment and let me know what you think. It's nice to know I'm not talking to myself on here.