Pictured are Bud ‘n Bloom Garden Club members Nancy Koehler, Judy Wilcox, Janet Centner, Karen Ryder and Lucy Hurley at the home of Angeline Smith Leone.

Spring has sprung! The ladies of the Bud’n Bloom Garden Club took advantage of the perfect warm weather as they toured the daffodil-laden gardens of member Angeline Smith Leone on Carol Avenue in Fredonia in April.

It was a sunny, glorious day when the group was invited to observe the many different varieties of these fascinating garden blooms.

Many of the specimens were planted more than 30 years ago and have naturalized so that huge drifts of sunshine filled the extensive gardens surrounding the ranch-style home. The variety of colors, styles and sizes were fascinating.

Narcissus is the genus of about 50 species of bulbous perennials found in bloom at this time of the year in early spring. Many thousands of cultivars have been developed. The flowers are usually yellow or white. Some have red, orange, pink and white coronas.

A local favorite is the daffodil, which has a trumpet (corona) in the center of the six petals.

Specimens vary in size and color.

Besides the daffodils, the ladies noted the waterfall pond with two lonely goldfish that survived another winter and were swimming lazily out of their state of hibernation.

Bird houses on the property showed signs of nesting birds and a bird bath afforded drinking water and a fresh bathing area for the robins, blue jays and sparrows.

The flower beds had been cleared of leaves from the huge oak and maple trees on the property and last year’s growth had been dead headed. A collection of garden angels and wind chimes added a touch of whimsy to the early garden.

Mums, lilies, roses, tulips, lily of the valley, bleeding hearts and lupine were sprouting already. Golden crocus; purple straw flowers; blue, pink and white hyacinths and tiny blue grape hyacinths were spotted among the daffodils in full bloom.

Five forsythia bushes were blooming in sunny yellow arches.

After the tour, the group was treated to cool beverages and a homemade iced blueberry coffee cake baked and served by co-hostess, Karen Ryder. The table was set with a lavender linen tablecloth and lavender, blue and pink hydrangea flower designs graced the dessert dishes.

Large bouquets of assorted daffodils graced the table and the kitchen area. Spring plants of Easter lilies, white hyacinths and pink tulips adorned the home. Judy Wilcox and Nancy Kohler, co-presidents, held a brief meeting.

Then the ladies drove to Sheridan to plant their urns, pots and tubs with young plants at Barnes Greenhouse. The nine members enjoyed sharing their creative endeavors with each other while appreciating the quick service of the staff and the great variety of plants. They were to pick them up fully-grown on May 23.