Last week I wrote about the first orchard blossoms - Apricots. Today we are covering Magnolias and that's because the Star Magnolias are opening up. Magnolias typically bloom between the end of April and early May. My garden in Toronto had both white and pink magnolia trees in the back garden overlooking the conservatory greenhouse. They made for wonderful spring images.
We have a great love of Magnolias, and they are located in many front gardens in towns, suburbs and in rural settings.
Royal Botanical Gardens' has several Magnolia dells - at the arboretum and the rock garden, and along the walking trails. The second image comes from RBG.
Our stylized images are of the Magnolia in front of the former Vineland Research Centre on Niagara Street, St. Catharines. Its distinction is that it is an old, mature tree. The weeping Cherry tree is located here, too. This is a mini-arboretum. The historical Yates Street boasts several very large Magnolias in front of heritage homes.
Our last two images are in Queenston, taken last year at the end of April. The Bright mansion, perched on the Niagara River, is a stunning backdrop to the lovely collection of trees on the grounds. And don't forget Niagara Falls - there is a beautiful magnolia alley at the Niagara parks Floral Showhouse.
The oldest saucer Magnolia is considered to be 400 years old. It is located in China. If you would like to see the oldest trees - this is the website Monumental treesHERE. They are located in Europe.
The saucer Magnolia is not native to Ontario. Our Carolinian native Magnolia is the Tulip tree and the Cucumber tree. There are only eight native magnolia species inNorth America. And the Cucumber tree is the only native to Canada.
If you would like to know more about the oldest native trees in Niagara - this is the link HERE. Niagara Glen Nature Preserve is considered to have the champion-size tulip trees - up to 132 feet tall. My favourite spot is Paradise Grove, easily accessible with walking trails, and fond memories of childhood picnics with family and friends.
A progression of images from the interpretive to the stylized, an heritage home on Yates Street and then two of last Spring's Queenston homes and gardens.
