Gladewater's Helen Lee Daffodil Gardens
Behind Schedule in Blooming, This Year

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

 

One of the sure signs of spring in Northeast Texas is a peaceful trip to the Helen Lee Estate Daffodil Gardens, south of Gladewater. Acres of blooming daffodils dot the rolling countryside and bring springtime to life. However, this year, because of our extra cold winter, the daffodils haven't bloomed yet!

The gardens are traditionally open from February 15th - March 15th of each year. However, a trip to the gardens on Saturday revealed that the daffodils still aren't blooming and will extend this year's season. "It's just been so cold and miserable that the daffodils haven't begun to bloom on schedule," related one native of the area. "I'm sure they will once again be 'gloriously a riot of color' once the temperatures warm up, but with the snows, frigid temperatures, and cold conditions, they haven't begun to bloom!"

 

 

Mark your calendar for a trip to the scenic setting, and enjoy an afternoon of true beauty in Northeast Texas. However, call the Gladewater Chamber of Commerce to check on the blooming schedule, with more frigid weather predicted this week.

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, a trip to nearby Gladewater wouldn't be complete without a browse through some of the famous antique malls, a stop at several of the small town's eclectic restaurants and eateries, as well as the scenic drive to an from the destination. It's a nice trip for a Saturday or Sunday, with the idea of "getting out of the house" and enjoying a change of scenery!

Mrs. Helen Lee and her husband were longtime civic leaders in Gladewater and she purchased the daffodil bulbs by the "train-load" and planted them on their East Texas farm. At her death, she requested the gardens be preserved for the public to enjoy and capture the beauty of the region!

 

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