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Daffodils by Naomi Slade

/ karen / 23 Comments

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/

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