Saucer Magnolia
This tree is growing in Centennial Park in Ganges. Not the greatest looking specimen, but the flowers look nice. I'll be sure to make a vid of ...
Magnolias truly are magnificent
September is magnolia monthand they are looking simply breathtaking this year.
Originating from the Himalayas, magnolias have taken exceptionally well to the Nelson climate.
How enlightened our early settlers were to plant such magnificent trees that have become landmarks in the district.
Everyone will have their own favourites to admire at this time of year but mine are the Magnolia x soulangeana, with their saucer-shaped blooms, in Queen's Gardens, and two huge trees in Golden Bay.
One is bigger than the two-storey house it sits beside in Upper Takaka and the other enjoys an urban life in the heart of town.
Another big magnolia sits in a beautiful garden at the bottom of Takaka Hill on the Riwaka side.
When not in flower, these magnolias could look like any old broad leaf deciduous trees, which is why we all need to be reminded of their incredible value. These beauties take many tens of years, if not more than a century, to reach their lofty, landmark heights. The golden rule is that, if you cut them down, a replacement magnolia will take a similar amount of time to make such a statement in the landscape. Think 2111.
