Daffodils to be Planted Along Boston Marathon Route

Marathon Daffodils, a collaboration of non-profit organizations, gardeners, communities and businesses, is planning a large-scale planting of daffodils along the Boston Marathon route, including Framingham.

The collaboration, announced this week, will embrace the tradition of celebrating the arrival of Spring in Boston, and will preserve the spirit of the Boston Marathon by planting the bulbs along a 26.5-mile route, from Hopkinton to Boston.

Tower Hill Botanic Garden, The Massachusetts Horticultural Society, New England Wildflower Society, The Garden Club Federation, The Town of Brookline Parks, The Charles River Conservancy and other groups have agreed to collaborate. 

The goal is to raise $1,000 per mile for a total of $26,500 from Hopkinton to Boston, the organization stated in a press release.

“We want to do something to lift the spirits of the community, in support of Boston Marathon 2014 and Boston Strong,” said Diane Valle, volunteer and organizer.

“We are excited to participate,” said Kathy Abbott, Executive Director of Tower Hill Botanic Garden, “because we believe Marathon Daffodils represent Spring and rebirth. This is a great community building opportunity.”

Volunteers will be recruited to plant daffodils from October to December this year. And “Marathon Daffodil” donations are welcome, sent to The Cooperative Bank, 201 Main Street, Charlestown, MA 02129.