Delightful daffodils a picker's paradise

BOUNTIFUL: Shirley Cameron is opening her garden and field of daffodils for the Daffodil Festival. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

The bounty from 20,000 planted daffodil bulbs will be available for picking at Carrington House in Carterton during the Daffodil Festival on September 13.

Owner Shirley Cameron said Carrington House has been opening for the festival for several years, asking for a gold coin donation for charity.

The daffodils were planted between 12 and 15 years ago, she said.

"You can pick as many as you want," she said.

"A gold coin donation goes towards the Life Flight Trust."

Visitors are free to wander the English-themed garden surrounding the 141-year-old Carrington House, although she cautions visitors to watch their children near the lake.

Dogs are discouraged, as they have ducks.

"It'll be a family day, and we'll have a little cafe for afternoon tea.

"It's very pretty, very child-friendly."

The picking will run from 9.30am-4pm.

Carrington House is located on SH2 on the northern outskirts of Carterton.