ISLAND LIFE

Every spring, Janelle Noble likes to share her joy at seeing her daffodils bloom.

“We try to involve all our pets and horses,” she says. “Our Arab mare is very gentle and lovely, and was quite accepting of the garland of flowers.”

Noble, pictured here adorned in flowers last spring at her family’s Claremont farm, began growing daffodils for show about five years ago. She began by planting daffodils in pots around her home and now “they’re everywhere – scattered in garden beds, pots and in my husband’s vegetable patch, though he’s come to terms with that now”.

The ebullient gardener, who is also the Mona Pavilions manager, produced some award-winning daffodils last year, but she isn’t resting on her laurels. Her daffodils are again contenders for awards in the Claremont Daffodil, Camellia and Spring Flower show today and tomorrow.

“Showing flowers isn’t intimidating. It’s a laid-back and fun environment,” she says. “People don’t just take daffodils, they take all sorts of spring flowers.

“There will be a magnificent display of camellias. Walking into the showroom is like taking a lovely breath of fresh air. You know it’s the start of spring when you see all the vibrant colours.”

The Claremont Daffodil, Camellia and Spring Flower show is on at Claremont Memorial Hall today, from 1–5pm, and tomorrow, from 10am–4pm. Admission is $2. Free entry for children