Daffodils bloom around Lake Josephine at Mrs. Lee's Garden in Gladewater. The 1,000 acre garden is open briefly in February and March when the flowers are in full bloom and the weather is nice. (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

GLADEWATER – Spring’s official start still may be a few weeks away, but don’t tell the flowers at the famed Mrs. Lee’s Daffodil Garden.

There is an explosion of color at the estimated 816-acre historic farm that seems to be a welcome beacon for visitors with cameras and spring fever, not to mention a hungry bee or two.

It’s generally open a precious few weeks every year – weather permitting and until most of the buds are spent – and then it closes until the next blooming season.

The next few days are said to offer peak viewing opportunities.

“It’s beautiful right now,” said Dennis Phelps, a volunteer for The Helen Lee Foundation, which oversees the grounds. “I’ve been here five years and it’s the best I’ve seen.”

Mrs. Lee’s Daffodil Garden dates back to the East Texas oil boom when T.W. Lee and wife, Helen, struck it rich and purchased land between Tyler and Gladewater, initially to harvest and sell its gravel.

He died in 1954 and she apparently channeled her grief into the land. She acquired additional acreage and worked to transform gravel pits into small stocked fishing ponds.

She had a boxcar load of Holland daffodil bulbs planted throughout the grounds and a small cabin constructed, overlooking one of the ponds.

Mrs. Lee enjoyed spending time there, savoring her land and the wildlife that called it home.

She died in 1984, and her private slice of paradise was opened to the public for all to enjoy.

People from around the globe visit the site each year to enjoy the beauty and tranquility, according to the official website.

The attraction is open seven days a week. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

Don’t hesitate to come out before it’s too late, said Phelps.

“We’ll have between 5,000 and 7,000 people come in while it’s open this year,” he said. “It’s really looking good.”

Visitor Debra Clouatre, of Winona, agreed.

“We try to come out here every year,” she said, watching as her grandchildren and other family members inspected the flora.  “We come for the gardens … they seem to build on themselves.”

A designated driving trail allows guests to see the enormity of the farm, although only certain areas are planted with daffodils.

Mrs. Lee’s landscaping vision creates a spectacular blanket of vivid yellow blooms amid rolling hills and natural rock formations.

New mom Halee Bownds, of Henderson, brought daughter, Brittyn, out last week for a close up.

The toddler appeared mesmerized by the sea of flowers blowing in the warm afternoon breeze.

“She loves the outdoors,” Ms. Bownds said. “Last spring she was tiny, but this year she’s having fun. Anytime she’s outside, she’s having fun.”

Mrs. Lee’s Daffodil Gardens can be found on County Road 3103, located off Texas Highway 271, between Tyler and Gladewater. As weather permits, the garden is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week. For information, call 903-845-5780.

Twitter: @ TMT _ Jacque