Magnolias.
Week of February 15, 2022
A sure sign that California spring is almost here is marked by the annual magnolia bloom. Creamy and elegant, magnolias symbolize luck and economic stability, purity and nobility, and everlasting connection. In Hanakotoba, the Japanese system of flower naming, they represent a love for nature, nobility, perseverance, and dignity.
We are fortunate to have (at least) eight magnolia trees at Western Hills Garden. They are in various stages of flower at the moment, and all are magnificent. The pink ones on the upper path have flowers almost as big as the mixing bowl we use for muffins. We’ve been told that two of the magnolias on the property were grafted to make a new one.
In doing some quick research for this post, we came across the poetry site of Pavithra K. Mehta. Her Magnolia Tree piece is evocative and worth a click if you’re drawn to beautiful writing,
It ends with the following words…
“I think about this outlandish tree that traces back to Time’s cradle, and its flowers that open alarmingly wide as if to swallow the sun, the way it gives itself madly to the moment. With radical generosity and no reservation. And what wouldn’t be possible — if we could learn to live like that.
Indeed. Beautiful.
