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From Bombs to Bulbs at the former Fort McClellan
Who would have thought that an old military base could have gone from bombs to bulbs? Springtime visitors all agree that the former Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama has done just that. The McClellan Joint Powers Authority (JPA) is a group tasked with the job of reusing the old army base to benefit the regional economy. In only six years and described as one of the most successful base reuse projects in the nation, they have gotten off to a good start. In addition to the typical advertisements, promotional brochures and informational web site, they’ve included a colorful marketing tool. In fact, it’s one that will last forever and grow each year. They chose daffodils. That’s right daffodils, and plenty of them! For about three months out of each year, every yellow flower, like a tiny billboard screams “look at me, I’m beautiful”.
Since 2004 over 30,000 bulbs have been planted and while it was once common to hear explosions from the practice of Army mortar rounds, McClellan is now exploding with daffodil color. “We look forward to the flowers every year” says McClellan resident Sandra Walker.
Ms. Walker is not alone. Photographers have learned to bring brides in wedding dresses. Families pose with the flowers and surrounded by yellow, even babies and pets have had their portraits taken at McClellan.
Working as the volunteer chairman of JPA’s Marketing Committee, Pete Conroy asked landscape designer Bob Elam to select some kind of flower that would be dramatic, prolific and cheerful. Daffodils were his answer but instead of planting just a few, Conroy asked to “wash the place in yellow.” The JPA agreed and ever since the historically significant and attractive base has become more beautiful destination for visitors and tourists.
“Daffodils work well here and all over the world” said Elam, “In fact, if planted in abundance we can out do anyone else in Alabama and even compete with some of the nation’s top botanical gardens.” Indeed McClellan has attracted plenty of attention with the many daffodil plots causing heads to turn as drivers pass by on Alabama Highway 21. Elam describes the daffodils as “50 mph color,” he says “even the speeders can’t help but slow down and notice.”
The seven varieties of bulb that they have planted are from Brent and Becky Bulbs in Virginia. Described by the Wall 
Street Journal as being among “the best in the world” each is planted 3 to 6 inches deep, root down and with the pointed-end up in the fall or early winter. Multiplying every year, they’ll last virtually forever.
McClellan has many daffodils plots along the main highway, but most of the flowers are found along the roads, streams and pathways that crisscross the former base. In fact, nearly thirty plots have been planted and as long as the Marketing Committee has the ability, more springtime surprises will continue to brighten both McClellan and the sprit of all those who come to see.
