The Daffodil Man
Several decades ago, Sunnyside resident Georgia Brown lived in a house on Woodside Drive that backed up against the woods that extend to Massanetta Springs and the Grattan Price villas. Her garden was beautiful during those times and attracted much attention. In fact, it was even on the local Spring House and Garden tours.
Forty years ago, Georgia asked Calvin Floyd, Building and Grounds employee and dear friend of Sunnyside residents, to plant a large number of colorful daffodils in the woods behind her house. Calvin spent MUCH time on this project! And throughout the years, countless numbers of Sunnyside residents have walked through the woods and enjoyed these glorious early signs of spring.
Two years ago, when Calvin retired, the Village Association presented him with a walnut plaque dubbing him as the “Daffodil Man” and honoring his careful planting and tending of these daffodils. This plaque was a replica of a sign already located in the woods at the Grattan Price entrance to the walk. At that time, the intention was to have a photo of Calvin with his plaque to place at both the Highlands and the Eiland Center. But – as is typical in Virginia – the weather intervened! For two years, the daffodils were frozen out by snow storms or ice or rain, and photos of Calvin and the blooming daffodils were just impossible. This year – success! Here is a slide show of Calvin and his daffodils. Enjoy!
P.S. We are also including a link to the original story of Calvin’s retirement. You can read it here:
Calvin
--Sally Meeth and Linda Bradley, photos by Mary Rouse