Bellefonte in Bloom: Project Daffodil

Project Information

Download PowerPoint Presentation: The Daffodil Principle

The Garden Club, in collaboration with Historic Bellefonte Inc. and the Bellefonte Intervalley Area Chamber of Commerce, launched an ambitious plan in 2003 to plant 100,000 daffodils over the next five years on roadways in and around Bellefonte, on private property in town or along country roads and in public areas like parks and borough easements. Our goal is building toward a pervasive, showy, happy welcome to spring that would attract visitors, and entice local residents out after a long winter to enjoy the show of the most welcome harbinger of spring. We encourage home owners and businesses to consider planting bulbs on their property.

After the fifth year (2008) of the project 111,000 bulbs have been planted and will be blooming each spring. Join the effort by planting bulbs at your home or business each fall. Even though we won't be planting more as a formal part of the project, we urge Bellefonte citizens and neighbors to carry on year after year. Even a few new bulbs will only add to the glory.

From mid-April to mid-May we encourage residents and visitors to take a Daffodil Drive in and around Bellefonte to view more than 100,000 blooms. Pick up a Daffodil Drive brochure at the Train Station in Talleyrand Park and venture toward State College to see even more daffodils along the way and on the Penn State Campus and around town. A total of more than 200,000 daffodil bulbs have been planted from Bellefonte to State College. Purchase daffodil note cards, or daffodil T-shirts and polo shirts at the Train Station and take home a souvenir.

Photo Archive of Daffodil Blooms

Contacts: (814) 353-1456 • E-mail: dwstanfield@bellefonte.com

The newest project of the Garden Club, the Bellefonte Community Children's Garden is established behind the Bellefonte Historical Library. It is a cooperative effort of the Centre County Library and Historical Museum, Bellefonte Garden Club, and PSU Master Gardeners. Planted by children and their parents in the spring of 2007, the first full year of growth provided flowers and vegetables and lessons for children about growing things. Volunteers planted 500 daffodils to add to the display.

Memorial Garden

Established in the Spring of 2002 and dedicated in September 2002, the September 11 Memorial Garden was planted to honor the memory of Lt. Jonas Panik, a Bellefonte High School grad, who was killed at the Pentagon on September 11 and all those who were killed on that day. Located in front of the National Guard Armory on Bishop Street, up the hill from the Welcome to Bellefonte sign, the garden includes a large stone with a plaque commemorating the victims of September 11. Plantings include seeds from America the Beautiful Fund, donations for Bellefonte citizens and from local nurseries. The public is invited to stop at the garden at any time for reflection.

Courtyard Garden at the Bellefonte Museum

Planting and maintaining the courtyard garden and fountain at the Museum, the Club has focused on including historical plants that will survive in a dry shade environment. Special plants have been added in memory of Garden Club Founding member Marilyn Eighme. A fountain adds a peaceful sound to the garden.

Talleyrand Park projects

The Garden Club worked with the Borough to have the beds in front of the Train Station redesigned and replanted for year round interest and low maintenance. The large urns in the park are planted by Club volunteers in time for the Big Spring Festival each year where we also provide a gardening activity for children who attend the festival. The Club provides the plants for the urns and hanging baskets downtown as well.

Other Projects

The Club planted and maintains the area around the Welcome to Bellefonte sign near the Armory on Bishop Street.

The Club also provides children's activities at the Big Spring Festival in May and at the Fall Festival in October.