Fannin County, Texas -- Each spring for over twenty years, a mass planting of daffodils blooms bright yellow in the right of way in front of the Keene homestead. Daffodils are the harbinger of spring. The idea began after David Keene received a card from a person who routinely passed by his property and enjoyed his mass planting of daffodil bulbs. And this was not the first such note David has received from someone letting him know what joy and happiness his daffodils were spreading!

The next step was to identify an organization which shared the vision and knew the beauty of mass plantings of daffodils. Mr. Keene provided seed money, or more
correctly stated, bulb money for the project. The Fannin Master Gardeners learned of his idea and got to work crafting a plan. This is how the Daffodil Bulbs Project began here in Fannin County!

At this time, seven cities in Fannin County have agreed to join in the daffodil bulbs project after learning about the opportunity. What is involved? The participating city identifies where in their city they want a “mass” planting of daffodil bulbs and provide assistance throughout the planning and planting effort. A “mass” planting for our project is one hundred fifty daffodil bulbs. The Fannin Master Gardeners provide knowledge about daffodils and coordinate the ordering and planting of the bulbs.

As of this date, the following cities and organizations are participating: The City of Bonham, Ector Beautification Association, City of Honey Grove in conjunction with the Honey Grove Chamber of Commerce and Honey Grove Beautification Association, City of Leonard, City of Savoy, City of Trenton, and City of Windom.

The daffodil bulbs were ordered and have arrived this week. Coordination of schedules to plant the bulbs will follow and all bulbs will be planted no later than mid September 2026.

The Daffodil Bulbs Project has inspired two additional activities. First is an educational component of the Fannin Master Gardener winter gardening class which will be about the selection, planting and care of bulbs. This is scheduled September 18, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Register for this class at
https://2026fcmgwintergardening.eventbrite.com.

The second event is “The Bulb Hunter” Chris Wiesinger presenting an educational talk about southern bulb gardening at the Fannin County Fair, Friday October 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. The Fannin Master Gardeners are pleased to announce this event will be free to the public thanks to the generous support of our sponsors First United Bank, Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, and Fannin Soil Water and Conservation District. A special thank you to our gracious hosts, the Fannin County Fair Board. There will be no charge to enter the fair that morning. Food trucks will be on site. Additional information will be posted at https://www.facebook.com/fannincountymastergardeners.

If you have any questions about the Daffodil Bulbs Project or the two additional thematically related activities, you may contact the Fannin Master Gardeners at FanninMasterGardeners@gmail.com

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is an equal opportunity employer and program provider. The Texas A&M University system, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts Cooperating.