It might feel a bit early to be thinking of spring flowers, but if you want to beautify your neighborhood with bright blooms you can sign up now for free bulbs or some volunteer hours through the Daffodil Project.
Begun in 2001, the more than nine million daffodils distributed through the project and planted by volunteers act as a living memorial to those lost in 9/11 and, more recently, during the pandemic. Volunteers are needed to help distribute bulbs in all five boroughs and registration is now open.
The Brooklyn event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 23 at Grand Army Plaza.
For those who want to secure daffodil bulbs to pick up at the October event and plant in their community it is best to reserve them now. Information on the Daffodil Project, including how to sign up for free bulbs and tips for planting can be found online.
Earlier this year, Fort Greene elementary school students celebrated a riot of new blooms in front PS 46, and advocated for more park space in their neighborhood in partnership with The Daffodil Project.
“This is such a full circle moment,” Councilmember Crystal Hudson said at the time. “There are not many things and many opportunities you get to plant seeds, and watch them grow, … and become big and beautiful like these daffodils are today.”
A version of this story first appeared on Brownstoner. Additional reporting by Mikaela Wegner.
