Magnolias are always a wonder

In some places, I understand, the magnolia tree is a default landscape

setting, just part of the background. Hereabouts, they are each a little

miracle. I saw this one this evening for the first time, though I've known

its owners for decades. Mike, its main caretaker, tells me it has been

blooming for almost six weeks, since late April. It's at Peak Magnolia,

though; leaves are starting to show now, so I think the flowers will start

falling soon.