Took some some photos of this early flowering Magnolia liliiflora
in the garden yesterday. One of the earliest multi-stemmed
flowering trees in our area of the USA, it blooms from late winter
and is a beautiful first indicator of Spring, with flowers opening
before the shiny green leaves appear . . . . . . . I think you will
agree it's lovely.
Today we plan to take down the birdhouse and clean it out ready for
nesting birds this coming Spring. We were outside in balmy high 60's
yesterday making rather a slow start cleaning up the garden.
This week has been a busy one but we managed to squeeze in a little
work around the front beds, mainly pruning shrubs and fertilizing the
Spring bulbs scattered around and poking up through the leaf litter.
Cleaned up the porch area and the small fountain in front of it
which is now a bird bath since the motor died some years ago!
Squirrels and chipmunks also drink there so like to keep the water
refreshed. Took down the Valentine flag and hung this colorful
blossom and cardinals welcome flag.
Late afternoon we ended up here on the porch with a peppermint
hot chocolate and the last of the yummy Trader Joe's choco-peppermint
Joe-Joe's from Christmas - guess the calories worked off in the garden
were soon replaced! Oh well that's life.
Off to the garden now, high will be 74F by early afternoon.
Rain coming back tomorrow so we must . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . “Make hay while the sun shines" An old saying that's considered a proverb. A proverb is an old, usually short saying that communicates good advice or something true. If you make hay while the sun shines, it means that you take advantage of the chance to do something while conditions are good.
Happy day.
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Dearest Mary,
ReplyDeleteYour Japanese magnolia is LOVELY!
Those buds are always several shades darker than the unfolded and fully opened buds.
We still enjoy them and are grateful for no frost damage.
Today will be 77°F so its time for biking as tomorrow it rains AGAIN!
Oh, we used to make hot chocolate from the Dutch Droste cocoa and then a doll up of heavy whipped cream and shaking cocoa on top from a tiny silver salt strewer...
No longer allowed to do this but the memory is eternal!
ENJOY yours.
Hugs,
Mariette
Your magnolias are lovely too - with us both having yellow houses the pink flowers have a beautiful background don't they.
DeleteNo whipped cream on the hot chocolate! I frothed 2% milk which is a little healthier, haha!
🤗
DeleteI do love magnolias though have never grown one. Our NT gardens have a spectacular pink one out now.
ReplyDeleteI love NT gardens over there - must try to get to at least one when visiting later this year!
DeleteThose chocolates look yummy. Your magnolia blooms are just gorgeous. Spring is on its way here too after a very bad storm last week.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a beautiful Maltese springtime sweet Loree.
DeleteI just came in from working in my garden on this delightful day and saw your post. I must admit the title caught me eye. Your magnolia really is beautiful and always such a welcome sight at this time of year. I think you have the right idea to end the gardening session with a bit of chocolate on the porch.
ReplyDeleteWe've really had a mild winter here in NC haven't we Kim - I was hoping for at least one light snowfall, guess it's too late now!
DeleteI just read this post about your amazing, warm weather (and blooms already!) and am so envious right now...as I sit here in the midst of a snowstorm raging outside. It's 27 degrees with snow and sleet and whipping winds. Spring can't come soon enough!
ReplyDeleteHope warmer weather visits you soon Mel x
DeleteLove the flag with the spring blossoms and cardinals!
ReplyDeleteYou were busy and made the most of the balmy weather. Hopefully, your shoulder/back/knee etc. are behaving these days!
It's been sunny here all week, but cold; yesterday was milder but grey skies and some rain (not unwelcome) are back for the weekend.
Thanks Meike - doing OK but know my limits when it comes to bending, especially in the garden! Tough to get old - doing the best we can and grateful.
DeleteWe'll have to wait a while before we can enjoy Magnolias (or temperatures of 74F for that matter). No matter how much farming has become mechanised it's still necessary to wait for a fine day to make hay.
ReplyDelete......and John you make the most of walking in the countryside no matter the weather, I so admire that, and as always love to see your photos of England my one true home!
DeleteDear Mary, I am so envious. Not even a blade of grass showing in my garden. You reminded me that I also have a little Trade\der Joe's hot chocolate left. It is 2 degrees this morning. I will find a sunny spot later.in the day.
ReplyDeleteYour beautiful home has lovely sunny spots which hopefully aren't buried in snow dear Gina. Cheers with a big mug of hot chocolate x
DeleteWhat a beautiful colour those magnolias have, and seeing them gives a lift to the spirit. I keep watching here, but the magnolias are not budding yet (we have them in the neighbourhood, but not our garden). I'm loving the brighter skies, even when it's raining.
ReplyDeleteChocolate on the porch during a break is a lovely idea. Happy weekend to you, Mary, and to Bob.
Hope your weekend is pleasant no matter the weather Lorrie - you sound busy with the new kitchen plans, how exciting! Hugs to you and Tim.
DeleteI just love a magnolia in bloom...wish I had one!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely Sunday & take care :)
Titti
The magnolia's are gorgeous. Love your flag too. Ahh 74 degrees sounds most delicious. And your Joe Joe's and hot chocolate on the porch would be wonderful.
ReplyDelete