Travel theme: Spring

In full bloom: white star white magnolia

Taken at face value as seen from my kitchen window, this White Star White Magnolia looks lacy, delicate, and pretty, especially when viewed with bright yellow forsythia in the background. It’s OK, lovely in fact, as it is — seen from a distance.

Outside my back door, a White Star White Magnolia is the first sign of spring.
Outside my back door, a White Star White Magnolia is the first sign of spring.

But it’s not until we get a close-up view that we know spring is here.  This treasured tree blooms for a week at most, and sometimes it has a hard time holding on even for that long. It’s easily buffeted by spring winds and weighed down by the gentlest rains, so blooms have little staying power given nature’s whims.

Early morning rain on a White Star White Magnolia
Early morning rain on a White Star White Magnolia

No matter.  Sometimes the fleeting nature of this tree makes it even more endearing.  The delicate while blossoms.  Subtle pink markings.  Pale yellow stamen.  Fuzzy gray calyx. We love it all, but have to get close to see its true beauty.

Just opening.
Just opening.
A hint of pink
A hint of pink
The inside story
The inside story

Spring officially arrives with the blooming of our White Star White Magnolia.  And its gentle Hello is one of the most welcome signs around.

For more entries in Ailsa’s Where’s My Backpack challenge this week — Travel theme: Spring — click here.

21 thoughts on “Travel theme: Spring

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      You’re so right about the South — we do love magnolias! Next up around here are redbuds and then dogwoods. Love spring!

      1. Curt Mekemson

        We have redbud and dogwood here in Oregon as well. The Natchez Trace is really beautiful this time of year with blooming dogwood. I assume you have followed it while out wandering. –Curt

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks, Jeanne. I’m really trying hard to use my camera better and get great shots. Appreciate the compliment!

  1. anotherday2paradise

    Love the way you captured the fragility of these beautiful blossoms. That tinge of pink is so lovely. đŸ™‚

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      You picked my favorite photo of the bunch. That sweet tender pink is so fleeting. None of the blooms have that on them anymore. Thanks for taking a look!

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      We love these trees, too, Amy. Next up around here will be redbuds and then dogwoods. Spring is the best time to visit Knoxville!

  2. Judy @ newenglandgardenandthread

    Your close up shots are just beautiful and brought a smile to this winter weary woman. đŸ™‚

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Glad I could cheer you up! The blooms are already spent. One big spring rain and they’re all bent over. It was fun for a few days though!

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Oh, gosh. I love summer, too, but ours get too hot. So spring is still a favorite of most people around here. Thanks for commenting!

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks! I love getting close to these blossoms. I guess it’s nice to have a tree like this so handy! Appreciate the comment!

  3. lexklein

    I like your spring better than mine. Here in Chicago, the white stuff in the trees outside this morning is SNOW! Ugh.

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      As much as I love new-fallen snow and the fun kids can have in it, I’m over winter completely. The spring flowers and sun are raising my spirits. Come on down!

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks so much! The blossoms are already falling, so I took some hold-on-for-one-more-day pics today. Love this tree!

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