Daffodil Hill to close early after wilting in the heat

Last call for daffodil lovers: Daffodil Hill is shutting down Thursday.

Volcano’s famous flower mecca wraps up its 2015 season extra early, due to too much heat and too little rain.

“Although there are still areas with beautiful blooms, our daffodils are well past their prime,” said Michael Ryan, whose family has owned McLaughlin’s Daffodil Hill for generations. “This rather unusual season had us opening our gates about three weeks early and closing at the time we would normally be opening.”

With more than 300,000 daffodils, this Amador County landmark opened its 75th season on Feb. 23. Daffodil Hill usually welcomes visitors well into April.

But this winter, the colorful flowers didn’t even make it to spring, which officially starts Friday.

Flower fans still have Wednesday and Thursday to catch those last blooms. The 4-acre garden will be open free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Daffodil Hill is at 18310 Rams Horn Grade, Volcano. Call (209) 296-7048 for more details. Driving directions are available at www.amadorcountychamber.com.

This story was originally published March 17, 2015 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Daffodil Hill to close early after wilting in the heat."