The Meadows of Yellow Daffodil Spectacular is anticipated to become a prominent spring event in Ashland, Kentucky.
In 1999, local veterinarian M.J. Wixsom conceived the idea of planting daffodils in Central Park as her Master Gardener service project. This initiative was named the Millennium Memorial Meadow. After obtaining permission, 12,000 daffodils were planted in Central Park on a warm Saturday after Thanksgiving.
In March 2023, Clarke Wiley planted 2,700 daffodils in his Forest Avenue backyard, which has since evolved into a citywide event. In 2024, the Daffodil Springtacular Committee took a further step by launching the Meadows of Yellow project, led by community activist Norma Meek and others. Their aim was to plant 20,000 daffodils around the Ashland area. The project gained momentum when they were granted permission to plant daffodils on certain properties or rights-of-ways within the city, with the objective of creating “meadows of yellow” throughout the city.
This year, yellow meadows have been established at various locations including the Ashland Tennis Center, Broadway Square in downtown, the entrance signs to the city, the Ashland Town Center, Catlettsburg, Dutch Berry Park, and along Bradley Drive. It is hoped that within ten years, there will be 70 meadows of yellow.
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to visit Central Park and admire its daffodils, which are currently in full bloom due to the unseasonably warm weather reminiscent of spring.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Ashland and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Meadows of Yellow!
