A few days ago, the magnificent magnolia tree a few blocks from the hospital was already faded and sparse. Today’s cloudbursts will have stripped off any remaining flowers.
The squirrel-beleaguered magnolia in my backyard bloomed almost without me noticing it this year, but I did catch its final moments yesterday. They were magnificent, too.
Beautiful!
Tom
Tom – 🙂
Jealousy for magnolias just growing around you does not quite overwhelm me. I am instead grateful that you send the photos to this not-yet-flowering-much part of the country.
Judith – Yeah, I couldn’t believe it when I found that there were magnolia species that were hardy in Ottawa. How could I not plant one?
I think location has much to do with success: a nook with radiant brick or stone walls in the sheltering house; a southwestern exposure; perhaps a wind-break from a neighbouring house or garden. One great beauty in Kingston faced the Lake, certainly a moderating influence on winter’s cold.
Laurna – That seems right. Our small tree is in a sheltered backyard. Mind you, in Calgary, we had to consider the risk of false springs with chinooks, so planting eager beavers near warm walls was a definite no-no. 🙂