Daffodils for spring displays, with Caroline Thomson
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BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast
This episode is titled:
Daffodils for spring displays, with Caroline Thomson
Notable Quotes
"The resilience of daffodils had quite an impact on me as a growing young child."
"It's very rare to find a large flowering cultivar which can withstand the grit that lorries spray on them."
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Get More InsightsEpisode Summary
In this episode of the BBC Gardener's World Magazine podcast, host Kevin Smith interviews Caroline Thomson who has cultivated a national collection of daffodils at the Backhouse Rossi Estate in Fife, Scotland. The collection reflects the legacy of her ancestors, who were renowned daffodil breeders dating back to the Victorian era. Caroline shares her personal journey that spurred her interest in daffodils, tracing it back to her childhood experiences and her family's horticultural background.
The discussion delves into the unique attributes of the Backhouse collection, covering the varieties, suitable growing conditions, and why maintaining such collections is vital for the future of horticulture. Caroline explains the scientific aspects of daffodils, including terms like polyploidy, and breaks down the classifications of daffodils based on their morphological characteristics.
Moreover, she provides insights into cultivating and propagating daffodils, sharing practical tips for anyone interested in growing them. Caroline also highlights the historical significance of certain daffodil varieties, focusing on Mrs. R.O. Backhouse, which exemplifies her family's breeding efforts and the ongoing quest to revive and protect heritage plant varieties.
Overall, the episode emphasizes the intersection of history, personal passion, and horticultural science in preserving the beauty and diversity of daffodils for future generations.
The discussion delves into the unique attributes of the Backhouse collection, covering the varieties, suitable growing conditions, and why maintaining such collections is vital for the future of horticulture. Caroline explains the scientific aspects of daffodils, including terms like polyploidy, and breaks down the classifications of daffodils based on their morphological characteristics.
Moreover, she provides insights into cultivating and propagating daffodils, sharing practical tips for anyone interested in growing them. Caroline also highlights the historical significance of certain daffodil varieties, focusing on Mrs. R.O. Backhouse, which exemplifies her family's breeding efforts and the ongoing quest to revive and protect heritage plant varieties.
Overall, the episode emphasizes the intersection of history, personal passion, and horticultural science in preserving the beauty and diversity of daffodils for future generations.
Key Takeaways
- The Backhouse family has a rich history of daffodil breeding that dates back to the Victorian era.
- Maintaining heritage varieties like the Mrs. R.O. Backhouse daffodil is crucial for biodiversity and horticultural heritage.
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