I know many bloggers are linking to a meme where they follow a particular tree for a year. I'm not disciplined enough to stick to a monthly update on a particular date but I follow a particular tree in my garden every year. So this year I thought that I would share it's progress with you.
The tree in question is a Magnolia Soulangeana. I can't exactly remember when it was planted but it wasn't a tree we had planned for. The label on the young plant stated that it was Magnolia Liliiflora Nigra - a much more compact shrub with deep purple flowers. Until it flowered we had no idea that the plant was wrongly labelled at which point it had settled in and was growing well so we couldn't bring ourselves to reject it!
I don't have any early photos as the tree was planted pre-digital which meant photography was limited. I do know that in 1989 it was still quite a small bush being battered by builders when we had our extension built - an event that we did photograph.
I don't have any early photos as the tree was planted pre-digital which meant photography was limited. I do know that in 1989 it was still quite a small bush being battered by builders when we had our extension built - an event that we did photograph.
The tree that you can see in the photo is an ornamental cherry that was removed some years ago - the magnolia is too small to feature.
The builders left behind a sorry looking specimen with broken branches. Contrary to all expectations it survived and grew and grew and (you've guessed it) grew some more.
If it was to remain drastic action was needed and so it was gradually pruned into a sort of giant bonsai (that may be a contradiction but it's the best I can describe it).
Lower branches have been removed and its spread kept in check and now it is anything but unnoticeable! It dominates one side of the house and the garden area around it has been shaped very much by the conditions it creates. The planting is spring orientated so that the flowers can take full advantage of the light before the canopy closes in.
The leaves enrich the soil beneath and also provide the birds and hedgehogs with rich foraging.
Our hellebores self seed and thrive - baby plants have flowered for the first time this year.
The sturdy boughs support a variety of bird feeders. The birds appreciate the shelter the tree provides whilst waiting for a turn on the feeders.
The birds also enjoy browsing the branches for additional living meaty treats. We have a good view of their activities from two of our upstairs windows.
The photos don't really capture how close the branches are to the windows. They need regular trimming to stop them brushing against the glass.
Not only do we have close up views of the birds but each morning when we open the curtains we can appreciate the changes in the tree.
At the moment there are the very first signs of flowers emerging.
Initially the buds are protected by green furry sepals which turn to a brownish colour and are discarded as the flower petals swell. Soon we will open our curtains to masses of pink lily like flowers and that is really an impressive sight.
Posts
