FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Caution tape from a formerly flooded road blends in with an array of daffodils that have stood the tests of time on Old Natchez Trace.
Williamson County residents like Laura Turner are elated that flooding this year didn't wipe out thousands of daffodils.
They were under water quite a few of them, and we were just hoping for the best," Turner said.
These resilient flowers survived the wettest February on record in Tennessee.
One batch in Old Town was planted in the 1940's.
Turner said, "Those are some of Mrs. Goodpastures that are jumping down to the river."
Since then, bulbs that were planted in gardens decades ago from all over the country, have been replanted along the road.
The Old Town Historic Daffodil Project now has its own sign.
Turner said, "This is a special road it was built by order of President Thomas Jefferson in 1801 by United States soldiers, it connected Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi."
These yellow flowers represent a sign of spring, and a glimpse of hope for residents.
"It's a legacy of joy, it will continue long after we're gone. I think that's kind of important in this digital world, to have something so simple, and yet with the lesson we will persevere we will come back."
Daffodil lovers will continue lining the 4.1 miles of Old Natchez Trace with buttercups.
The Williamson County Highway Department doesn't mow along the side of Old Natchez where the daffodils are blooming.
To learn more about the Historic Daffodil Project you can go here.
"Because it's just been cold and dark and it's neat to see these beautiful delicate flower come out of the frozen earth, I think it does the heart good."
*Photos courtesy of Rachel Braun
