Undertook extensive journeys in pursuit of exceptionally rare daffodils; discovered an impressive hoard of these botanical gems
The Remarkable Backhouse Daffodils: A Family Legacy of Botanical Wonders
In the charming town of Fife, Scotland, houses a unique and enchanting collection—the Backhouse daffodils. Caroline Thomson, founder of the Backhouse Heritage Exhibition & Education Centre, shares the tale of how this lifelong passion for daffodils was ignited by her mother's words 12 years ago.
Lady Georgina Buchan-Hepburn, Caroline's mother and a direct descendant of the Quaker Backhouse family, introduced Caroline to the daffodils that would take over her life. The daffodils, famously bred by generations of Backhouses, were originally cultivated by William Backhouse, an early pioneer in daffodil breeding.
Revisiting daffodil history:- William, a Darlington banker with a passion for hybridising daffodils, changed daffodil culture in the UK with his unique and captivating cultivars.- His son, Henry, raised 'Emperor' and 'Empress', two triploid cultivars that showcased the power of higher chromosomes to create larger, more potent blooms.- William's life's work culminated in the creation of the first tetraploid daffodil in the UK. This bi-coloured beauty boasted an impressive 12.5cm-wide flower and a 60cm stem, amazing growers with its size and vigor.- Robert Ormston, another son, was most closely associated with the Backhouse cultivars. With his wife, Sarah Elizabeth Dodgson, they bred over 57 daffodils and the famous Backhouse lilies, with Sarah being an extraordinary hybridiser in her own right.
Joining the family legacy:
Caroline's quest to find and preserve the Backhouse daffodils has been nothing short of a lifetime pursuit. Through travels across the country, Caroline and her husband Andrew have diligently gathered clues and planted specimens to grow the collection. Not only has this mission led them on thrilling adventures, but it has also reintroduced Sarah's earlier fame as a groundbreaking daffodil breeder of the early 20th century.
Thriving at Backhouse Rossie:
The Backhouse Heritage & Education Centre at the Rossie Estate serves as home to the national collection of daffodils and narcissi developed by generations of the Backhouse family. With over 84 confirmed Backhouse cultivars, the Rossie gardens have become a haven for enthusiasts worldwide who come to experience the beauty of this unique collection.
Curious about uncovering the collection's hidden gems, Caroline engages with experts, family memories, and stands dedicated to preserving the authenticity of each cultivar. She tirelessly searches for elusive Backhouse cultivars such as 'Dick Wellband', 'Lune De Miel', and 'Moonbeam', believing those treasures lie somewhere, waiting to be discovered.
Visit Backhouse Heritage: Bringing History to LifeAddress: Backhouse Heritage & Education Centre, Rossie Estate, Collessie Ladybank, Fife KY15 7UZ. Tel: 0844 414 5803.Website: https://backhouserossie.co.uk/Opening Hours: 1 April - 30 September, Wednesday - Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm.
Uncover the rich legacy of the Backhouse daffodils by visiting the Backhouse Heritage & Education Centre and immerse yourself in a magical world of intriguing history, beautiful flowers, and gardening lore. Let the charm of these enchanting blooms inspire you to preserve your own family's botanical legacy and create memorable experiences for generations to come.
- Engaging with experts, Caroline Thomson, daughter of Lady Georgina Buchan-Hepburn, continues the family legacy started by William Backhouse, the Darlington banker who created the first tetraploid daffodil in the UK and revolutionized daffodil culture.
- The Backhouse Heritage & Education Centre, situated at the Rossie Estate, houses the national collection of daffodils and narcissi, nurturing over 84 confirmed Backhouse cultivars, making it a global attraction for gardening enthusiasts.
- Planting specimens and researching family histories, Caroline works to unveil the hidden gems in the daffodil collection, such as 'Dick Wellband', 'Lune De Miel', and 'Moonbeam', adding to the fascinating world of home-and-garden lifestyle and contributing to the ongoing legacy of the Backhouse family.
