Mike Hazlewood, legislative aide to Del. Keith Hodges (R-Middlesex), captured this image of daffodils in bloom on a recent trip through Gloucester. Next week, the Garden Club of Gloucester will host the Virginia Daffodil Show at Ware Academy.

The 79th Garden of Virginia Daffodil Show will take place next week on Wednesday, March 27 and Thursday, March 28.

Sanctioned by the American Daffodil Society, the show will bring exhibitors and judges from all over the country as well as from all over the state of Virginia, according to a release from the local club.

"Daffodil aficionados have long been attracted to Gloucester for its rich history with daffodils, so it has been particularly fitting for the state’s show to be held here," said GCG spokesman Tabb Farinholt. "We will be welcoming people next week from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, Georgia, and of course from all over Virginia. They will fill up our lodging facilities and restaurants and participate in our show as well as relish the sight of daffodils growing in the village, gardens, and along the roads and highways."

The Garden Club of Gloucester has its own tradition with a daffodil show, having held its own since 1950. To encourage participation, club members have planted bulbs at all the elementary schools. Additionally, fourth graders received bulbs which they planted and some exhibited them the following spring. "Children are some of our most enthusiastic participants, an aspect of our show we are most proud of," Farinholt said.

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