The Brilliant Strategy Behind Martha Stewart’s Ever-Changing Daffodil Border That Gardening Experts Agree Is the Key to Lasting Spring Color
Strategically grouped daffodil varieties ensure a continuous splash of color that redefines the spring garden from early buds to late-season blooms
Few blooms are as synonymous with springtime as the iconic daffodil – a staple that Martha Stewart herself can't resist. The original influencer could fill her Bedford estate with any flower of her choosing, but for this season, she opts for the classic (in wonderful abundance, naturally).
In April last year, Martha shared the 'swaths of brightly colored daffodils' blooming at her farm. She planted them in clusters of different varieties, shapes, sizes, and blooming times, 'providing a longer splash of color through the season,' as her photo demonstrates.
Article continues below'When I moved to my farm, I knew I wanted to grow a continuous swath of daffodils. After lots of planning and planting over the years, I now have a border that extends the length of one side of my property from my Summer House, past the stable, and down to my Japanese maple grove,' Martha expanded on her blog.
'Over time, any that have faded have been replaced with other varieties, while others continue to flourish.'
She continues: 'My long daffodil border is broken up into various groupings – different varieties, different shapes and sizes, and different blooming times. This provides a longer splash of color through the season,' she says. 'We planted this section in 2019, and the flowers continue to bloom profusely every year.'
Similarly, Martha planted daffodils around her estate, including the garden beds outside her Tenant House, near her main greenhouse, and in colorful pockets in the surrounding woodland.
Rachel Bull, the Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens, also stands by Martha's strategy. 'What she demonstrates here is less a planting scheme and more a masterclass in pacing,' she comments.
'Daffodils are so often treated as a singular moment, bright, beautiful, but gone too soon. However, by carefully selecting varieties with staggered flowering times, Martha transforms them into a season-long celebration. It is a subtle shift in approach, yet one that dramatically alters the rhythm of a spring garden. I'd begin with a lesser-known scented daffodil, like Narcissus 'Delnashaugh' or Narcissus 'Golden Dawn,' to make your yard as fragrant as it is colorful.'
Shop Martha Stewart's Spring Gardening Essentials
This collection features multiple varieties and colors, perfect for naturalizing your garden. Known for their delightful fragrance, these top-size bulbs are selected for optimal performance and longer-lasting blooms.
Trust Martha to give gardening tools a stylish twist. Their durable, weather-resistant tools (including a trowel, transplanter, and two cultivators) make planting, weeding, and tending your garden seamless.
Every garden bag needs a weeder, and Martha's is one of the chicest on the market. Tame spring weeds with ease using this expertly crafted garden tool. Designed for precision and comfort, it makes every garden task feel simple.
From spring planting to winter twigs, this reusable, rip-resistant bag makes collecting and transporting garden debris simple. They're incredibly practical and designed to last through the seasons, as you would expect from Martha.
Perfect for any backyard, this foldable tote keeps all your essentials organized and within reach. Sturdy yet lightweight, it carries tools or freshly picked blooms and folds away easily. It epitomizes the quality you can expect from Martha.
Who knew gardening gloves could look so chic? Perfect for roses or shrubs, they keep hands protected through every gardening task. Their flexibility makes delicate work easy and allows you to handle prickly stems with confidence.
While the daffodils may fade eventually, Martha Stewart’s approach reminds us that spring does not have to feel quite so fleeting. We look forward to her 2026 display and the layered colors she will bring to her iconic Bedford home.
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