Weekly Photo Challenge: Dense

A density of blossoms: Tulip Poplar tree in spring

A density of blossoms: Tulip Poplar tree in spring

It’s only in early spring that Magnolia Soulangeana blooms in profusion.  But when delicate pink blossoms burst forth, that dense, full-on blooming is something not to be missed.

Early morning light offers barely pink, almost purplish color.

Early morning light offers barely pink, almost purplish color.

As the first pink starts to show, I brave early morning chill to note blooms in their infancy.  Sweater weather in East Tennessee with a sweet reward.

Open and reaching out -- announcing spring in East Tennessee.

Open and reaching out — a Magnolia Soulangeana announces spring in East Tennessee.

I stand underneath a mature tree in our neighborhood hoping to get a sidewise glimpse of lower branch blooms.  But mostly, I look upward, noting how barely-there morning light brightens the inner whites ensconced by outer pinks.

Looking closely at white inner petals and the pink veining on outer ones.

Looking closely at white inner petals and the pink veining on outer ones.

It’s a treat we give ourselves, those of us lucky enough to be near a Magnolia Soulangeana (that we locally call a Saucer Magnolia) in early spring.  A true reward for getting out and looking up.

My neighborhood treat: Magnolia Grandiflora in the spring!

My neighborhood treat: a Saucer Magnolia in the spring!

 

For more photos that meet the Weekly Photo Challenge: Dense prescription, click here and be amazed!

 

 

27 thoughts on “Weekly Photo Challenge: Dense

  1. Tina Schell

    My favorite flower, beautifully captured. Ours here in Charleston are the creamy white variety and usually arrive in early May. I always look forward to seeing them bloom

  2. Green Global Trek

    I LOVE magnolia trees so it was such a treat to see your stunning photos this morning! Their short lived beauty adds to the drama of these magnificent flowers. Your photos are incredible.
    Peta

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      We love these trees also. Lucky for us, we live in Knoxville where there are distinct Dogwood Arts trails through neighborhoods. If we take the trails before the dogwoods actually pop open, we’re rewarded with some of the early-blooming trees like redbuds and saucer magnolias. It’s been pretty this year!

      1. Madame Zenista

        Oh is it? I am glad you captured it at the right time.
        Spring is not fully here for us, so waiting eagerly for some blooms and warmer weather…

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  4. hilarycustancegreen

    Stunningly beautiful, lucky you to have such a specimen so close.
    [It looks more like Magnolia Soulangeana to me, grandiflora is usually cream-coloured with wide bowl-like flowers, mehttps://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/10699/i-Magnolia-grandiflora-i/Details]

    1. Oh, the Places We See

      You’re so right!!! We have huge Southern Magnolias with creamy white flowers — and that may be Magnolia Grandiflora. I Googled “pink blossom trees” and one of the images came up that matched my tree with the name Magnolia Grandiflora. But since you’re noted that my tree is Soulangeana, I’ve found other pics that confirm your name. Thanks!!!!! It’s commonly called Saucer Magnolia round here, and that’s probably what I should have used. But I was trying to be oh, so correct. Didn’t work! Thanks again for setting me straight.

      1. hilarycustancegreen

        The internet is a minefield for plant naming and I use it all the time. I just happened to have worked in two places with giant Grandifloras, glad it was useful and that you didn’t mind.

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    1. Oh, the Places We See

      Thanks, Judy. I love this tree in my neighborhood. But the blooms last only a few days. I rush out as soon as I think they’ll pop open and come back each day! Hope spring has sprung in your area!

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