This is my pride and joy (other than my son, Zach). And unlike my son, I had nothing to do with this beautiful tree at my farm. It's a Magnolia x Soulangeana. Sunset Western Garden book says that it is often improperly called a tulip tree.
I often see them out and about this time of year. I have never seen one nearly this size. It's a very slow-growing tree, as any of you who have one will attest. I estimate it's age at pushing 100 years.
I think it's that old because of some of the other very old unique landscape specimens we have here. None of them are indigenous, so I know that a long time ago a very generous gardener planted them.
Every spring I profusely thank that gardener.
The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit. ~Nelson Henderson
Don't forget to mention the smell of these blossoms. One of most pleasant perfumes I've ever smelled.
My father planted a 5ft tall one in our yard in New Jersey in 1956, and it had reached a height of 20-25 ft by 2000, when the new owners of the property (probably not even knowing what it was) cut it down.
John
Posted by: John McGlynn | July 21, 2009 at 11:53 AM
I hope the tree is still blooming next weekend when we come to pick up tomatoes! What a sight:)
Posted by: Carin | March 12, 2009 at 03:06 PM