Spring has Sprung - the Magnolias Bloom

This time of year in the area of China where I am visiting is lush with greenery.  Every tree and shrub seems to have more than its fair share of green foliage - it is a pretty awesome sight.  The bamboo that four years ago was just being established is now tall and thick. Spectacular.

One of the shrubs that always impressed me at this time is the Magnolia - these trees line the streets, and are featured in many gardens.

I am lucky in that there are two trees close to the appartment I am in, and I have been able to watch the buds form, and then the flowers open.  The flowers have a short life span.  One day they are buds, the next day they are in full bloom, and the next they are deteriorating.

I found a large historic Magnolia tree - but it was not easy to photograph it.

Sweet Magnolia

Spring is certainly the best time to visit China - as all the trees and plants that have been in hibernation for winter come to life. The blossoms of all the flowering trees make such a change to what was a very bland landscape and it is no wonder the Chinese people cherish their gardens so much.

In the streets and in parks the Magnolias burst into bloom - there were white ones, and pink ones and small flowers and large flowers.

I had never seen so many Magnolias in flower all at once.