The Hidden Secrets of the American Daffodil Society

            A group called the American Daffodil Society exists. In real life. It currently has over 1,300 members, holds regular meetings across the country, elects officials, and circulates periodicals. I know this sounds like a David Sedaris essay, but it’s not. This is America in 2013 and it’s possible that the American Daffodil Society is becoming one of the most powerful organizations in the world.

            The American Daffodil Society (ADS) was founded in 1954 after the publication of a classified ad in a gardening magazine. Its initial purpose was to “promote scientific research and education on daffodil culture, breeding, diseases, pests, exhibiting, and testing; to encourage, coordinate, and sponsor shows and exhibitions on daffodils; to record and disseminate horticultural information about daffodils and issue publications for such purpose; and to register daffodil varieties and standardize their names in cooperation with international authorities.”

            The club grew from its roots in Northeast America—as part of the plant society boom that shook much of this great nation in the early 50s—and along with other societies saw its popularity peak in the late 60s and early 70s. But that isn't to say that the group has disbanded: The ADS currently counts active members in all but three states in the US and in several other retirement-friendly countries around the world. The average member age is somewhere between 65-70, and most members come from comfortable financial backgrounds. The groups are scattered throughout the states and meet regularly. Can you think of another "society" that consists of well-off older members, meets in “groups” regularly, collects membership dues, and elects officials to delegated positions? Because I can.

            Despite their surprisingly comprehensive online presence, I was unable to obtain much information about the ADS. There is plenty of data on the flowers themselves, but the on-goings of the institution remain somewhat unclear. There are numerous references to complex daffodil classification and the horticultural aspects of the plant and culture, but very little actual facts about the congregation are published aside from meeting schedules. Even after exchanging messages with the Executive Director and former President of the ADS, I had slightly more information on the mechanics of the society but still no real idea of what they did.

            It was then that I realized the clues might already be right in front of me. Perhaps the ADS, like many fraternal societies and brotherhoods, uses literal information allegorically. Societies like these often hide their sacred “information” in text or metaphor related to the operative topic they discuss.

            The daffodil, or narcissus plant, is a perennial that can continue to flower for up to 50 years in the wild. The heart of the plant is the bulb, which can be dug up and replanted and split many times and continue to bloom. The bulbs are actually “born again.” Daffodil bulbs are also easily confused with onions. The Ancient Egyptians worshipped the onion and used them in burial rituals. And, as we all know, onions are frequently used a metaphor to denote layers of truth.

            Also noteworthy is the daffodil’s classification system. The flower can be broken into one of 13 divisions recognized by the Royal Horticultural Society. Thirteen flowers, 13 witches in a coven, Friday the 13th. I'm not really sure what all this could mean, but something must be there if you read between the lines.

    It would take years of intense study and training to gain any real expertise on the ADS—and personally I'm not sure I can devote the time or energy to botanical symbology required to find out. But there's definitely something more going on than meets the eye. And while there isn't any direct evidence of political influence from plant societies like the ADS, these circles often thrive from misdirection, so I wouldn't be so quick to rule it out.

            Amid the usual veil of secrecy associated with such Orders, it can be tough to determine where the rumors end and the tentacles of control really begin, and maybe we'll never know the full story. At any rate, it's usually better to play it safe, so if you're going to plant daffodils: Always buy local/organic and exercise caution. These people could be your friends, neighbors, or coworkers - and their actual clout in this country has yet to be determined.

Does your head hurt from all this reading between the lines, rumors, and mystery business?  Yeah, ours too… Head over to www.miniusa.comfor something a little more straight forward.