Maybe I should have written boughing out as the title refers to our magnolia which has had a celebrity spot in the blog this year. This is likely to be it's last star billing as having held on to its leaves for as long as possible it has finally had to accept that it is time to embrace the big sleep that is winter.
The fairly still autumn has meant that the leaves have not suddenly been whipped from the branches. The leaves have gradually changed colour and fallen leaving only a handful of determined individuals clinging on.
In many ways it has been a tale of two halves as the side of the tree that faces into the direction of prevailing winds lost its leaves sooner than the sheltered side.
The leaves may have fallen but the branches are not completely bare as next year's flower buds have appeared and are patiently waiting their trigger to start into growth. They are likely to need those furry jackets over the next few months.
The leaves may have fallen but the branches are not completely bare as next year's flower buds have appeared and are patiently waiting their trigger to start into growth. They are likely to need those furry jackets over the next few months.
The fallen leaves carpet the area beneath the tree and will decompose to add nourishment to the soil and foraging for the birds. When birds visit the feeders they now have less cover so we can observe them better but then again so can any passing sparrowhawk. Fortunately nearby evergreen shrubs offer some cover from overhead predators and the worst of the weather.
Soon the new stars of this area will be the early spring flowers. The snowdrops are already pushing their noses up through the ground and I have cut back the old hellebore leaves so we can better appreciate the flowers when they show their faces. I planted some new hellebores at the beginning of the year to extend the colour palette. These had spent some time potted on in the cold frame before planting so I wonder whether they will flower this year?
The Magnolia Year
March 17
Posts
It's no surprise that the leaves have now fallen with all the wind we've had over the last couple of days, my worst kind of weather.
ReplyDeleteI don;t like wind either Jo at least with fog, ice and snow you can stay inside away from it.
DeleteI love the fact that you have documented the progress of the tree so meticulously! I also take loads of photos of my garden because it helps me to record what I have done for future reference.
ReplyDeleteIt;s been interesting observing something closely - I'll choose a different tree for next year.
DeleteIt's lovely to look back like this, it's surprising to see how things change over a matter of weeks.
ReplyDeleteIt is, Jo quite a learning exercise,
DeleteIt's been a pleasure following such a magnificent specimen, I've noticed lots of buds around too......I hope they all survive this sudden cold spell.xxx
ReplyDeleteBuds are tougher than they look, Dina I'm sure that they will be just fine,
DeleteHow lovely to see the words "spring flowers". I'm glad your magnolia is okay, for a moment I thought it was for the chop. I think my sad little dead stellata will have to be removed in spring though.
ReplyDeleteIt has had a big chop CJ and will be due another next year but nothing life threatening
DeleteYour magnolia is big enough and I think will be OK, mine is small and covered with special cloth, so has to winter well. Lovely snowdrops! they show that spring will come one day.
ReplyDeleteIt's survived everything that the years have thrown at it so far Nadezda
DeleteLovely to see your Magnolia getting ready for spring, I have counted 28 flower buds on mine so if they all stay on I am in for a treat this spring even if I have just a young twig compared to yours!
ReplyDeleteIt's surprising how fast a young twig grows Helene
DeleteThe flower buds of Magnolia look so promising! It's going to be a great flower show with snowdrops! ;)
ReplyDeleteThe snowdrops are always welcome, Malar
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