It's that time of the year when the deciduous Magnolia's are bursting into action
While there are a number of beautiful Magnolia's, my favorite is the most common, Magnolia Soulangeana or Saucer Magnolia. Good luck attempting to pronounce that, for those who want to try, it's Soul - lan - ge - ana.
My Grandmother had a old and established specimen in her back garden, when I see these flowering they always remind me of her and the garden I grew up in. I do seem to remember my Grandfather and Uncle being less enthused by the mess these trees make.
Deciduous Magnolia's are known to be very, very slow growing, eventually getting to about 7 metres. A very old and experienced English gardener once told me to never let these trees rest, plant them with plenty of rich compost and feed heavily in spring to keep them moving. They also like some shelter form hot summer winds. You will often see these trees in older estates, planted decades ago and still trucking along.