Daffodils need dry soil in the summer to do well and return year after year. Perhaps the daffodil bed was hit by the sprinklers or you watering other plants in the area during the summer. You were smart to leave the foliage alone after the flowers die. You can feed the foliage that popped up this year by using a quick acting fertilizer such as Miracle Grow on the leaves as now is when the fading foliage is sending energy to the bulbs. Once the leaves die back you can dig the bulbs and store them in a dry spot over the summer and replant again in the fall. You can also replant in large plastic pots and than sink these pots into the ground each fall or just enjoy potted daffodils. Poor drainage and damp soil is most likely the cause of your dismal display and potting soil in a pot provides great drainage - just remember not to water the bulbs in the summer. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti