A Gift That Continues to Grow

When Ilana and Michael Buccieri moved to Rye from Rye Brook three years ago, they looked to do something for their new community. And, fortuitously for Rye, the opportunity to contribute appeared right outside their doorstep.

“Every day I walk our dog in Rye Town Park; we live next door at Water's Edge,” says Michael. “It is such a joy in spring to see the park blooming. Our thought when we moved here was to see if we could add to the experience.”

And now, every spring, you see their handiwork in the daffodil and hyacinth display that beautifies the park perimeter. Working with Chris Cohan, landscape architect of Rye Town Park and the Friends of Rye Town Park, the Buccieris have contributed 8,000 daffodils and 5,000 grape hyacinths to line the Forest Avenue side of the park; another 2,500 daffodils and fragrant Holland hyacinths on Dearborn Avenue and 5,000 on Playland Parkway.

The bulbs erupted in a riot of color last spring. This year, laments Michael, the flowers have been a little slow to bloom because of the cold weather. “But, the daffodils should open up soon; and when they do, they create a great beginning to every day.”