Saturday, March 12, 2011

All the Bloomin' Day!

Julia and I took a walk around the neighborhood today. I took my camera, on the hunt for blooms. Trees in bloom, to be precise --
Here's the Japanese Magnolia, next door.
And the flowering quince. Love the deep salmon color. Yes, I know -- it's not actually a tree :)
I don't remember what this was, but it sure was glorious against that blue sky!
Now, I've adored this little tree for years, and always wanted to get a picture of it in bloom. I'm not sure, but I think this is the first year I've succeeded. Last year, the owners told me what type of tree it is, but memory deteriorates with age, and I do not recall. Julia remembered, however, that they did say it's not supposed to be a tree, but a bush. The owners have pruned it into a short tree. Isn't the bloom luscious? It's waxy like a magnolia, and has a lovely scent.
The unopened blooms look fuzzy, like pussywillow.
I like the contrast of it against the hemlock.
Here it is, full-size. Any helpful ideas as to its identity?

5 comments:

Abby said...

Oh so jealous! After insane amounts of snow and cold, I am SOOO ready for spring this year. Forsythia, daffodils, where are you?!
:) A

mdiber said...

There are several kins of magnolias. This might be what we call a 'star' magnolia. I'm not an expert, but htat is my half educated guess.

Carolyn said...

Is it a variety of tulip poplar?

Carolyn said...

2 minutes of googling looks to me like Melinda is right.
Star Magnolia or Magnolia stellata (see image at
http://www.dungevalley.co.uk/treesshrubsd-n.htm
or
http://www.zazzle.com/magnolia_stellata_pink_star_magnolia_flower_card-137995689188726431)


This is why I don't generally allow myself on the computer at night. Rabbit trails!

M.K. said...

Yep! Melinda is right! Star magnolia it is!
Abby - we're in central NC.