Columbia, Maryland blooms again with 50,000 daffodils planted for its 50th birthday
Five decades ago, the figurative seeds for a groundbreaking new community had been planted. Columbia, Maryland blossomed, bloomed and became a destination for people seeking a high quality of life in a community renowned for its diversity, beautiful open space, activities and amenities. That reputation has remained throughout the years, with Money Magazine recently naming Columbia the best small city in the country.
As Columbia prepares to celebrate its 50th birthday, it’s fitting that seeds have been planted once again — literally, this time, with 50,000 daffodils along Little Patuxent Parkway in Downtown Columbia and in other locations around town.
It is a collaboration between Columbia Association (CA) and its many partners, including: Costello Construction, First Potomac Realty, the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks, Howard Community College, Howard County General Hospital, The Howard Hughes Corporation, and The Mall in Columbia, along with residents and other members of the community.
Most of the bulbs were planted in extensive masses in turf or planting beds in locations visible from roadways in Downtown Columbia. Daffodils were also planted in all 10 Columbia villages. Community groups, residents, homeowner and condominium associations, and businesses joined in as well and planted bulbs in locations they chose.
“Daffodils are associated with new beginnings and rebirth — creativity, inspiration, renewal and vitality. They are a perfect representation of the theme of Columbia’s 50th Birthday Celebration: Appreciate the Past, Imagine the Future,” said Marlys East, managing director of Columbia’s 50th Birthday Celebration. “We are grateful for Columbia Association’s leadership with this beautification project and for the collaboration of so many Columbia institutions and businesses.”
Columbia’s 50th Birthday Celebration begins on March 19 and continues through Sept. 23, 2017. It will include hundreds of events and activities for all ages — residents and visitors. “We expect the celebration to be a catalyst for renewed interest in our hometown,” East said.
Follow Columbia MD 50 on Facebook and at ColumbiaMD50.com. For more information, please contact Marlys East at Marlys.East@ColumbiaAssociation.org.
About Columbia Association
Columbia Association (CA) is a nonprofit community services corporation that manages Columbia, Maryland, a planned community that is home to approximately 100,000 people and several thousand businesses. Additional information about CA is available at columbiaassociation.org.
