After the September 11, 2001 attacks, a gift of daffodil bulbs helped New Yorkers create a memorial that returned each spring. New Yorkers for Parks (NY4P), city parks staff and volunteers turned fall planting into a shared act of remembrance—one that participants have described as meaningful, without evidence that it was a clinical treatment for grief or trauma.
How the Daffodil Project began
In the aftermath of the attacks, Dutch bulb supplier Hans van Waardenburg and the City of Rotterdam sent New York City one million daffodils. NY4P says its board member, public garden designer Lynden Miller, helped facilitate the gift. That fall, 10,000 volunteers joined NY4P and then-Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe to plant bulbs in every borough. NY4P dates the project’s inception to 2002. NY4P’s project history describes it as a living memorial, not simply a beautification campaign.
Why planting and blooming became a ritual of remembrance
Daffodil bulbs are planted in fall and bloom in spring. That seasonal rhythm made the memorial visible and recurring: people could take part in planting, then return to see flowers emerge. The U.S. Forest Service’s Living Memorials National Registry records the project’s goals of lifting New Yorkers’ spirits and revitalizing parks and communities after the attacks, along with participants’ accounts of personal meaning.
A family’s connection to Isham Park
The registry includes testimony from J. A. Reynolds, whose family had long been involved in the Isham Park garden. His son Bruce, a Port Authority police officer, was killed in the World Trade Center attack. Reynolds described returning to plant bulbs and seeing the spring flowers in connection with remembering his son. His account is testimony to one family’s experience, not proof that planting daffodils clinically treats grief or trauma. The registry’s Daffodil Project entry preserves the account.
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- PREMIUM QUALITY DAFFODIL BULBS: These traditional yellow Daffodil bulbs are quality picked and grow with a large yellow trumpet bloom and sturdy green stem. They can be planted in pots, containers, borders, beds, planters and much more.
- EASY TO GROW: These hardy flower bulbs are easy to grow and very reliable. The best time to plant daffodil bulbs is in the fall (September to December) so they bloom beautifully in springtime.
- HOW TO PLANT DAFFODILS: When fully grown, daffodils grow to around 45cm. Plant daffodils bulbs 10cm deep and 10cm wide apart. Ensure you leave enough space between bulbs so that their roots have enough room to grow.
- BENEFITS OF DAFFODILS: Daffodils are an effective remedy for the cough and cold. The plant is said to act as a natural antidepressant, and it is also used in cosmetic products. In addition, daffodils are said to be good for helping to speed up the healing of wounds!
How the project has grown
NY4P’s project page, checked October 8, 2026, reports that more than nine million bulbs have been distributed for free since the project began in 2002, with thousands of volunteers taking part. NY4P calls it the largest annual volunteer effort in New York City history; that description is the organization’s characterization, not an independently audited comparison. The same page says Mayor Michael Bloomberg named the daffodil New York City’s official flower in 2007. NY4P’s history page
The project’s present-day purpose reaches beyond its original 9/11 memorial role. NY4P says it also honors victims of the COVID-19 pandemic and supports parks stewardship and civic participation. The program now includes free daffodil bulbs and native seeds. Distribution is seasonal: on October 8, 2026, NY4P’s page said that year’s bulbs had been reserved. Check NY4P’s current project information for availability and instructions.
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- Vibrant Yellow Blooms: These daffodils showcase radiant yellow petals that add a burst of sunshine to any garden or landscape.
- Spring Heralds: As one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, these cheerful daffodils signal the arrival of warmer weather.
- Hardy Perennials: These low-maintenance bulbs are remarkably hardy and will return year after year with minimal care.
- Clustered Beauty: Each stem boasts a cluster of multiple daffodil blooms, creating a striking visual display.
- Versatile Landscaping: Ideal for borders, beds, containers, or naturalizing in grassy areas for a meadow-like effect.
How to take part
NY4P invites participants to plant in places such as public parks, tree pits, community gardens and schoolyards. Because public spaces may require permission, follow the project’s current instructions and obtain any authorization needed before planting. Bulbs provided through the project are free; buying bulbs is not necessary to participate. NY4P’s Daffodil Project page
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Attract Pollinators: The fragrant blooms of Daffodil Fragrant Mix are irresistible to pollinators like bees and butterflies, providing them with nourishment while enhancing the biodiversity of the garden.
- Cut Flower Delights: Bring the enchantment of your garden indoors by cutting these daffodils for stunning floral arrangements. Their long stems and vibrant hues make them a popular choice for adding a touch of elegance to the home decor.
- Environmentally Friendly: By cultivating this daffodil, you contribute to a more sustainable environment. They require less water and fertilizer compared to many other plants, making them a conscientious choice for eco-conscious gardeners.
- Adaptable to Various Climates: These daffodil are remarkably versatile when it comes to different climates. They thrive in a wide range of conditions, from temperate to slightly cooler regions, making them an excellent choice for gardeners around the world.
- Long-Lasting Beauty: With proper care, these daffodils will reward you with years of breathtaking beauty. Their robustness ensures that they return to grace the garden season after season, their blooms becoming a beloved annual tradition that marks the arrival of spring.
Rank #3
- Spring Blooms
- 50 Bulbs from Holland
- Keep coming Back each year
- Naturalizes & Multiplies
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