Strolling thru the JC Raulston Arboretum last Monday… I was drawn in by the warmth (70 plus degrees) — fragrance permeating the air.
As a gardener I find myself looking down more often than up, but my eyes scanned the Carolina Blue Sky in search of the source of the wafting vapor of scent.
Magnolia stellata or Star Magnolia. A small tree 10-15 ft tall and 10-12 ft wide – a lovely addition to a small landscape or winter border – hardy zones 4-8.
But today it was all eyes skyward!
The swelling buds of Magnolia stellata “Waterfall” — resembling fuzzy pussy toes – so delightful!
The softest blued pinks of the delicate unfurled petals — charming.
The thick buds of ‘Scented Silver’ were starting to burst forward– it’s sweet scent luring me closer.
By Wednesday all the buds had opened.
Yet with cold winds blowing in, I knew I was lucky to have captured the show… as they say “Here to day, gone tomorrow.”
Enjoy – living the EntwinedLife
Jayme B
NC Certified Environmental Educator
EntwinedLife 
Beautiful. So glad to see all the little signs of spring right now. Noticed the Bradford Pear beginning to bloom today. Hurry, hurry, spring!
Phil just said Snow Again…. sNOOO!
Hope your bulbs are up!
Jayme
Glad you caught these flowers at their best. So lovely.
I am awed by nature and it’s resilency! Now if some of my late winter plants can just survive the deer!!! Hope all is way up your way Susie!
Jayme
I debate every year if I should plant a star magnolia. What is stopping me is my across the street neighbor and next door neighbor both have star magnolias and they are so close I sometimes pretend they are mine,and so save the planting area in my garden for other trees that are not in the neighborhood. The scent is all inclusive for the brief time the star magnolia is in bloom and I am always captivated by it.
Beautiful photograph…really highlights the blossom
I think you’ve made the right choice!
Plant another specimen to extend the neighborhood season!