Magic magnolias

EASTER is a joyous season, a time of birthing and renewal, and all around I am witnessing new growth and new life.

It is happening as I write in the gardens of this expanding suburb, but it is gaining momentum and soon it will be in your area. Can you sense the enthusiasm I have for its arrival? In my world, this miraculous happening is a daily occurrence, a phenomenon that everyone, even non-gardeners should experience. I see it for example in the progress of the magnolias! Magnolias are the first tall, elegant wonders of the year, and M. Campbellii usually starts the season during late February. It is the texture of its petals that seems so remarkable; that out of the dead-looking stems in a grey winter should burst forth such soft, thick, upright flowers, as pure as a deep pink arum lily, chamois to the touch. However, M. Campbellii is too large for small gardens so consider neater varieties such as M. liliflora nigra, M. ‘Susan’, or M. ‘stellata. There are many clones to choose from.

Think for a moment of their sheer diversity; magnolias vary from cosy shrubs to a towering tree visible for miles. Their leaves can be shiny or matt and some have soft furry undersides like the bookies cords on a day at the races. The flowers too differ in size, shape, scent and colour-from a pure white to rich purple and appear from February to November.