magnolia : forced

Much to my amazement, the magnolia forcing was a success! For a couple of days the buds remained resolutely closed, but then they began to oh so slowly peel back, and tiny glimpses of pink petal appeared. When I first saw the flowers starting to emerge, I had to stop and catch my breath. It felt like a small miracle. Once the transformation had begun, the petals unfolded rather quickly, and within twenty four hours the majority of the blooms on the first twig had opened, with the second twig swiftly following suit.

Magnolia blossom has a delicate spidery beauty which perfectly complements the sculptural elegance of the twigs. I cannot help but smile each time that I catch sight of it. I hope that it will not be too long before the tree in the garden begins to open its buds. I am impatient to see it in all its glory: a magnolia tree in full bloom against a blue sky lifts the heart like little else.