Whether you call them daffodils or jonquils, these beautiful spring flowers are all botanically classified as part of the genus Narcissus.

Over the years, hundreds of daffodils have been incorporated into the grounds of Luthy Botanical Garden. Within this collection, there are 20-30 different cul-tivars of all shapes and sizes. For the home gardener, daffodils are a great investment because they increase in density with each passing year — and more importantly, an overly-abundant deer population prefers to dine on tulips! In addition, this diverse collection encompasses daffodils that are early, mid or late blooming, which enhances the duration of the display.

Especially noteworthy are the more exotic daffodils like Narcissus triandrus ‘Hawera’ (pictured above), a low-growing daffodil reaching 6-8” in height with 3-5 elegant, canary yellow flowers on each stem. Another, Narcissus ‘Mount Hood,’ is an old favorite with a large flower that opens with a hint of yellow and matures to pure white. There are, of course, a number of the classic yellow cultivars that reflect the beauty of spring sunlight.

See all the blooming daffodils now at Luthy Botanical Garden, 2520 N. Prospect Road, at the corner of Prospect and Gift. Enter the Garden on Gift, north of the Peoria Zoo.

Admission is $2.50 for adults; children 12 and under and Garden members are free. There is no admission charge to visit the Garden Shop. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday noon to 5:00 p.m. For more information, call (309) 681-3506.