Group Wants Marathon Route to Bloom Boston Strong

By Charlie Breitrose

The entire 26.2 miles of the Boston Marathon route will bloom in yellow come spring if a group of volunteers makes their vision a reality.

The Marathon Daffodils has brought together a group of nonprofit organizations, gardeners, cities and towns, organizations and businesses to preserve the “Boston Strong” spirit and, at the same time, embrace the traditional first blooming of spring by planting daffodils along the marathon route.

The group seeks to raise $1,000 per mile of the marathon to make the vision a reality.

“With the support of the communities, the planting of daffodils is to commence in October and continue through December, along the route, and hopefully throughout our communities,” said Kathy Thomas, past Garden Club Federation president and horticultural activist.

Among the groups involved are the Tower Hill Botanic Garden, The Massachusetts Horticultural Society, New England Wildflower Society, The Garden Club Federation, The Town of Brookline Parks and The Charles River Conservancy 

Gardeners of all ages and experience will be sought to help the plant the flowers. “Marathon Daffodil” donations can be made by sending donations to The Cooperative Bank, 201 Main Street, Charlestown, MA 02129.

For more information, contact Diane Valle, a Charlestown resident, at marathondaffodils@gmail.com or at 617-791-5663 or Kathy Thomas at kathymthomas@aol.com.