Thousands of daffodils at Blithewold gardens

Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum opens for the season with Daffodil Days, as springtime settles on the shores of Narragansett Bay.

The festival will run from April 12 to May 4.

The year 2008 marks several milestones at Blithewold: one hundred years since the new mansion replaced the former dwelling which was destroyed by fire in 1906; thirty years since the estate was opened to the public; twenty years since Blithewold Gift Shop opened; and ten years since Blithewold, Inc. saved the estate from outside development.

As in years gone by, Blithewold's gardens will once again come to life with tens of thousands of daffodils and other early blooming bulbs, trees and shrubs. Along with the wonderful display in the gardens, Daffodil Days offer other special exhibits and activities for the whole family.

For daffodil bloom updates, visit the Garden Blog at www.blithewold. org or call for the Daffodil Message at 401-253-2707, ext. 35.

Blithewold is located at 101 Ferry Road, Route 114, in Bristol. Visit www.blithewold.org for more information.