The physical attractiveness of some can be truly magnetic. Ranging from the typical classic beauty to particular qualities of the unusual and individual, the magnolia possesses highly contrasting aesthetics of appearance for Autumn and Summer, and this paradox proves to be the bedrock to its clock from season to season.
In Spring and early Summer, the blossoming beauty pushes hard through the unforgivingly ugly seedcasings of Winter. This flora is a form which contains both beauty and beast, Jekyll and Hyde. Feel its seasonal detailing and charisma by clicking on the images for a further close up and personal interaction with its changeable, but utterly engaging character.
From the beguiling, carved eye sculptures from Winter,
To softest facial hair and firm neck in Spring;
With the dual appeal of petal soft complexion and 5’o clock growth or trendy beard,
And perfectly formed pinked, blood rushed lips.
Only on the most microscopic observation will one view the furry layer on the edges of our ear, and exciting ripples in petalled skin. All nuances for the strange powers of sensuality.
Nature’s soft looks brings memories of youth and beauty, but in Winter years, when conversation of floating petals on the Spring and early Summer breeze finally ceases, hardened flappers become the necessity of the cold season, deafest wood keeps the ancient secrets of evolution safe and sound. How can a plant manage to conserve its energy and proceed to alternate between the fresh face of blossom to a season of ageing and maturity? The vertebrates are not capable of this type of renewal and growth.
With new warmth and light attention of Spring to Summer, the ageing process then appears harnessed. The tree flowers once again, and as it gets older, there are only more blossoms and it becomes even more beautiful, proving that with maturity, ageing can apparently bring with it more procreative energies and benefits……Well, well, well…..breathtaking alchemy indeed.
Hmmm…..Magnolia,…….through the seasons, hardiness, softness, energy, stillness, colour and power, wisdom and constancy – you could be my type of flora….
© 2015 La Floralie
la floralie 
I lived in Mississippi when I was a child. A white magnolia tree (the state flower) was in our backyard. My mother brought blossoms in the house in summer. In the fall when the tree had red seeds in the place of flowers she cut branches and used them in the house, particularly to fill the fireplace when we weren’t having a wood fire. Thanks for the beautiful pictures and information about the magnolia.
My pleasure, it is absolutely fascinating to look and learn something new each time – so very unexpected. Thank you for sharing your very nice memory and giving the post another conversation and branch of life – what a lovely thing to do with the seeds!