National Collection of pre 1930 dafodils.
Kate Donald is holder of the National Plant Collection of pre-1930 daffodils, a date chosen by Kate as it encapsulates those in existence at the time of EA, Bowles epic ‘Handbook of Narcissi’. It is her dream to update this scholarly tome, which contains many daffodils and some division’s no longer in existence. Kate has gardened since she was five years old, trained initially at Wisley before a scholarship to the daffodil strewn Isles of Scilly confirmed her passion for the narcissi which she has collected for over three decades, an adept cultivator of these heritage bulbs..
The collection of over 250 varieties, aged 75-140 years old, is harboured in the land surrounding her exposed croft, which she shares with husband Donald, on the shores of the remote Loch Ewe, NW Scotland.
The daffodils are largely exposed to the elements, though the more tender varieties are huddled together in protective polytunnels. The Duncan’s have cultivated rough terrain, rotavating the turf, adding lime to the acidic soil and removing stones. Wooden pallets and green mesh fencing afford somewhat shaky windbreaks fro often inclement conditions. The soil is acidic and needs liming each year. Despite tough conditions the Duncan’s successfully cultivate and progress this vintage collection, perpetuating the survival of ancient varieties. By selling surplus stock bulbs annually, they spread stock and increase the chances of each hybrids survival. These rare and beautiful bulbs are highly prized, in order to encourage widespread re-cultivation the veteran bulbs are limited to 10 per type per customer.