Spring Blossom Abounds

Spring blossom is everywhere! My favorite shrubs are in bloom, but will soon be replaced by new favorites in bloom next month.

The first tastes of early summer have arrived in my area and they have brought along a wonderful display of spring blossoms. My garden favorites tend to change along with the seasons, but when the spring magnolias are in bloom, they certainly take the prize.

The beautiful pure white of the star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) has been in bloom for two weeks or so now and is still going strong, although the leaves are now appearing. It is next to a beautiful pink/purple saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana). Last year the blooms were both covered in a late snow but apart from an unhappy and limp look, they came through fine.

Unfortunately I have not had success with these blooms inside. Several times I have tried to force them by bringing in a few branches with buds on. The blossoms appear one day but are past the next.