Georgia DOT Crews Plant Bulbs as Part of Wildflower Program

ATLANTA--

This month, motorists will see Georgia DOT contractors busily planting thousands of daffodil bulbs statewide along interstates and state routes as part of roadside beautification efforts. In early February to late March 2007, Georgians will witness small floral cups bursting of yellow emerging from the ground heralding spring and warmer days that lie ahead.

In an effort to extend the window of blooming flowers along the roadsides, Georgia DOT landscape architects chose daffodils which require little maintenance and are simple to plant. They called on the expertise of Jaydee Ager, Executive Director of the American Daffodil Society and former President of the Garden Club of Georgia, to choose the best varieties for Georgia roadsides. With her help, they selected ‘Ice Follies’, N. campernelli and ‘Carlton’ varieties as the most suitable and dependable.

“The daffodil varieties selected will tolerate the harsh roadside environment and they will come back each spring,” said Ager. “Georgia DOT officials made an environmentally sound, economical decision to add popular daffodils to their ongoing roadside beautification effort.”

These three daffodil varieties are favorites of southern gardeners. ‘Ice Follies’ are distinguished by their white petals and yellow cups that mature to almost pure white. N. campernelli, which has up to three yellow blooms per stem, is a historic species that settlers brought with them from Europe. ‘Carlton’ is the world’s most numerous daffodil and is recognized by a large two-toned yellow bloom.

The Wildflower Auto Tag is the only guaranteed financial resource supporting the Wildflower Program. The Wildflower Tag, available at your local county tag office for a one-time $25 fee, can be purchased anytime, not just on your birthday. Support the GDOT Wildflower Program by purchasing a specialty tag to help keep our roads flower-ful! For more information, visit www.dot.state.ga.us or http://www.etax.dor.ga.gov.