I love that your family is carrying on the tradition of magnolia planting for the new generation. Such a beautiful way to commemorate the years!

When I was 2 I planted a Magnolia tree in my grandmother’s side yard. By the time I was 30, the next generation was calling it the “climbing” tree, as it was so perfect for this purpose.

When my son was 2, he planted a Magnolia in his grandmother’s front yard, as well as ours. Every year, on his birthday, we take a photo of him standing in front of it. He is now 15 and it has, of course, surpassed him in height.

Up here the blossoms are one of our first signs of spring.

Thanks for the story, information, and photos. I knew Magnolias were old, but we learned much more from your article. You are so right, the citronella comparison was a total insult.

Suede! Why couldn’t I think of that? I struggled with how to describe the downy underside of the leaves, and finally settled on velvet, but suede is an even better description. (I ought to have gone to the thesaurus. )

It was indeed very hard to see my friend downed, and I’d prefer never to go through the terror of such a storm again, if at all possible. I wish for all children that they could make these connections early and often. I’m convinced it would change the world.

If it’s only 15 feet from the house, I’d say you’re lucky your tree is stunted!! Yikes!

I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Isn’t it strange to imagine a world without bees? I personally hope I never have to witness such a world…