As April arrives in Granville, the first blush of spring takes root not only in the soil but in the soul of the town. At the heart of that transformation is the Granville Garden Club’s beloved tradition: the 78th Annual Daffodil Show and Sale.
This year’s exhibition, themed “A Wonderful Life” and set against the backdrop of the historic Bryn Du Mansion on April 12 and 13, offers visitors a chance to reflect on the personal stories and shared experiences that bloom alongside each arrangement.
“Everybody has their moments in their lifetimes,” said Shannon Langford, the Garden Club’s publicity chair. “We hope that when people come, they see an arrangement that sparks a fond memory or inspires joy. That’s what the members are doing with their displays…sharing something that has brought meaning to their lives.”
Each year, the club’s members create floral arrangements based around a unifying theme. This year’s concept, selected by a committee of volunteers, is rooted in reflection.
Interpretations range from nostalgic childhood memories to small joys that punctuate daily life. Visitors will also find dozens of daffodil specimens, spanning all 13 divisions recognized by the American Daffodil Society – a surprising fact for those who thought all daffodils looked the same.
Langford, a self-described “learning gardener” who joined the club three years ago, said her own journey with daffodils began when she moved to Granville and purchased bulbs from the show.
“Some of the first flowers I planted in my yard were from this event,” she said. “They’ve been growing in my garden ever since.”
The event is volunteer-run with a planning committee that meets nearly year-round. From builders like Jack Wingert, who crafts directional signage and display fixtures, to members who lend flowers from their personal gardens, the entire show is a grassroots collaboration.
“There’s no paid staff, no outside production crew. It’s just us,” Wingert said. “Everyone pitches in where they can, and that’s what makes it feel real. It’s our fingerprints on everything.”
Even Langford’s French bulldog Pakkun plays a role. Last year, he posed on an antique truck bed filled with daffodils, charming attendees.
The show’s roots stretch back to 1944, when it began as a cheerful wartime diversion at the Granville Public Library. Over the decades, it has blossomed into a regional attraction and was recently named one of Midwest Living magazine’s “15 Spectacular Spring Flower Festivals.” Yet for all its prestige, the show retains a homespun spirit.
That spirit is perhaps best captured in the miniature arrangements, delicate, two-inch-tall interpretations of local landmarks or meaningful moments, created by longtime members and passed on to newcomers like Langford.
“There’s so much mentorship in this group,” she said. “Even small conversations become opportunities to learn. You have to come in as a sponge.”
In addition to the floral artistry, guests can expect live music – harpist Olivia Claggett on Saturday and folk musician Barefoot McCoy on Sunday – and children’s activities that make the event family-friendly.
Read more: Harpist Olivia Claggett uses her music to inspire growth
Entry and parking are free, and all proceeds from bulb sales go toward scholarships for environmentally-minded local students, as well as community beautification efforts.
Visitors can order curated bulb collections, like “Next Generation” for newly introduced varieties or “Classics” for tried-and-true favorites. Last year alone, the club sold nearly 13,000 bulbs, a number that speaks to both the show’s popularity and its impact on local gardens.
The show stands out because it’s built by the community itself. Every arrangement, display and detail reflects the hands and values of the people who live here.
“The show isn’t only about the flowers,” Wingert said. “It’s about making something that lasts, something people look forward to every year. That kind of tradition matters in Granville.”
The 78th Annual Daffodil Show and Sale runs from noon to 6 p.m. on April 12 and 13 at Bryn Du Mansion, 537 Jones Rd. NE, Granville, Ohio. Admission is free.
Jack Wolf writes for TheReportingProject.org, the nonprofit news organization of Denison University’s Journalism program, which is supported by generous donations from readers. Sign up for The Reporting Project newsletter here.