It's getting spring-y around here.

  My "saucer" magnolia tree--so named to suggest the size and shape of the flowers. I'd never noticed this type of tree before moving to my house and finding I had one in the backyard. In fact, I don't think I'd ever even heard the name before.

What's interesting about it to me is that the flowers appear in early spring, long before the foliage shows up in the summer.

I had plans to do some yard work today, but I never made it out there for that purpose although Barney and I took a few strolls out in the yard. It started out really foggy this morning, but eventually the sun came out and it was a pretty day.

These pics didn't turn out so well, but here they are anyway. And there's more below.

Comments

[Mike]

If you live in your house long enough and remember to fertilize it, your saucer magnolia will grow up to be a magnificent small tree - about as tall (15'-20') as it is wide.

[Deb]

I don't remember ever hearing about this type of tree. It's very pretty though. Glad you posted pictures. I am noticing your bird bath in that island. Do you keep it cleaned out and filled with water? You would probably have lots of birds come to your yard if they knew they could always get a drink. I'd love a bird bath but don't know how diligent I'd be keeping it fresh. I've watched Mrs. Davis clean hers out and keep it filled--seems like a neat idea I'd like to try.

[Bet]

Deb, I'm more worried about mosquitoes knowing I provide water than I am about the birds coming for a drink. We have enough trouble with mosquitoes without providing a ready source of water. Maybe the birdbath wouldn't add to it--I don't know. The bird bath was left here by the previous owners, and I did notice in the picture that it's sitting sort of crooked. I need to work on that area a little more!

Mike, I will have to check on fertilizing my tree--I know I haven't put anything on it since I moved here and that's been since August 2004. In fact, I think there are a lot of things around here that probably need fertilizing. I'm slowly learning all that's required to keep up a yard.