Magnolias

The magnolias are blooming in abundant glory, their profusion of ivory and pink flowers bringing romance to winter gardens.  They always remind me of Grandma and the stunning specimen she had in her front garden.

I was taken by this lovely standard magnolia while out on a morning walk.  It inspired me to prune my tiny magnolia stellata, removing the branches from the lower trunk and staking it to coax it into a standard form.  It will take many years to reach the size of the one I saw on my walk, but I'll enjoy watching it grow in its new classic shape.