Daffodil Flower Show

“ISLAND TREASURES”

Our historic Island, 30 miles at sea, boasts a vibrant and pervasive history, as well as many island traditions that provide us with a multitude of “Island Treasures”. From our three lighthouses to fishing for Nantucket Blues, and from our whaling heritage with Nantucket
sleigh rides to Madaket sunsets and surfing at Cisco Beach, our treasures abound. However, a visionary summer resident decided the Grey Lady needed another bounty, a yellow and welcoming one: Daffodils! In the 1970s, Jean MacAusland donated a million Daffodil bulbs to the Island, to be planted along our Community’s pathways and roads, initially along the Milestone Road from Monomoy to Sconset. The Nantucket Garden Club, excited by her vision of brighter Spring surroundings, then organized its first Annual Daffodil Flower Show in 1974. Originating at the Boys and Girls Club, the Show has been held in many locations during its 46 year history: The American Legion Hall, The Harbor House, The Folger Hotel and then the Point Breeze Hotel, The Coffin School and most recently at Bartlett’s Ocean View Farm. From the homey beginnings of Daffodil filled Coke bottles lining Main Street to antique cars draped with Daffodil decorations, the Island’s April harvest is best seen in all it’s splendor at our Show.

The American Daffodil Society recognizes this exhibition as a bona fide Daffodil Show and is pleased to grant ADS awards to specimens of exceptional merit.

The Nantucket Garden Club continues to expand the display of Daffodils on the island by donating thousands of Daffodil bulbs annually to be planted by the school children. Today one sees over 4 million Daffodils swaying gently along the roadways and bicycle paths island wide.

We hope you enjoy the many cultivars of Daffodils on display at the Show, as well as the creative Floral Arrangements and the imaginative Photographs. Everyone in our Community, from pre-school to senior citizen participates in this happy and educational event.

The Show is open to all at no charge. Donations to our Daffodil Planting Fund always welcome!