Naumkeag’s Daffodil Festival runs through Mother’s Day

Stockbridge — Pardon me, but did they say 60,000? Sixty thousand daffodils and tulips at Naumkeag? That’s right! The Trustees of Reservations have counted the spring bulbs at Naumkeag, and here is the number they report: “60,000.” Holy mother of narcissus! That’s more narcissistic florescence than you’ll find at the White House! The daffodils alone exceed William Wordsworth’s famous “Ten thousand saw I at a glance, tossing their heads in sprightly dance.”

But you don’t have to take the Trustees’ word for it. You can check it out for yourself, right on the Naumkeag grounds, wine glass in hand. (They also offer microbrewed beers.) The show ends Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

Admission:
Trustees nonmembers: $20
Seniors and students 15 and up: $15
Children 6 to 14: $5
Admission for members and children under 6 is free.

Naumkeag is located at 5 Prospect Hill Road, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, just seconds from the Red Lion Inn (where you really ought to take your dear mother for breakfast on May 12 before heading up to see the daffodils).

A few of the 60,000 bulbs at Naumkeag’s Daffodil Festival. Photo: David Noel Edwards

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Bulb trivia: If you place 60,000 spring bulbs in a straight line, you’re likely to get one helluva backache. Because they will extend to the length of 14 football fields. (Don’t try this at home.)

Tulips at Naumkeag’s Daffodil Festival. Photo: David Noel Edwards