Magnolia Celebrations: Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

[Kristl Walek]

Horticultural events are of course particularly vulnerable to nature; particularly if their focus is real plants growing outdoors in real weather.

An unseasonal, early warm spell brought many of the Magnolia into bloom a good month before the scheduled Magnolia Celebrations in early to mid May. Unfortunate too that following the heat wave, this week is perfectly normal for this time of year, with below freezing temperatures. I have no idea how the blooming specimens will handle the cold and how those now in bud will fare. In any event, there may or may not be any species blooming during the two week celebrations.

[Kristl Walek]

Officially kicking-off the event last Sunday was the "Inspired By Magnolia" art exhibit, which runs the duration of the celebrations at the local ArtsPlace Gallery. The grand opening (complete with yummy treats and music) made for a fun afternoon in good company and a chance to add two new works of art to my (ever growing) Nova Scotia collection. I am beginning to wonder if I might have to put an addition to this tiny house to accomodate them.

The current exhibit in the main gallery was a series of large-scale charcoal drawings by Kate Belcher, which were quite powerful. In a smaller, lower exhibition room beyond this were the Magnolia.

[Kristl Walek]

The artwork ranged from whimsical to studied and everything in between....

[Robert G]

Hi Kristl,

We are supposed to be having a tour here in Ottawa of the Magnolia Society for early May. That is when we usually are in bloom as you know. I think we are in the same boat. No blooms for event. This year too the tulip festival is in a panic as there might be no blooms for that too. We are really early. It is interesting this year the native material is early, but reserved. However any non-native material has reacted quickly to the heat. Back to Magnolias, I love this festival..art and all. Take care and enjoy your new environment.

[Maggi Young]

Not quite so good as actually being there to experience the trees and the art, Kristl  but a very pleasant experience nonetheless, thanks to your fine photos. Many thanks!

[Ragged Robin]

Looks like a wonderful event.  Your photos of Magnolia flowers look wonderful Kristi and I especially like the 3 stages of M. Wadas Memory

[Giles]

 

[Kristl Walek]

Although some of the early blooming Magnolia got bitten by the earlier freezing weather; all survived and have continued their bloom, now that temperatures are back to a lovely, seasonal cool and the official programs for the Magnolia festival beginning on May 8th, are drawing closer.

Now that more and more trees are coming into bloom, I thought it was a good day to walk and photograph. In a tiny town of 500 permanent residents, there are certainly an abundance of them, flowering boldly on front lawns, even tucked next to sheds. I did not sneak into any back yards, where there are undoubtably many more. There is a goal of having all homeowners fronting on the few main streets to eventually plant at least one Magnolia in their yards.

Some very large buildings have gotten a late start with planting, and the young, small plants are, for the time being, dwarfed next to the huge homes.

[Kristl Walek]

A line of them has also been planted in the town cemetary, which will be spectacular, as they mature.

[Kristl Walek]

Ever more species and hybrids have begun blooming around town. Today I only had time to see the very photogenic M. x soulangiana at the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens.

But I was also very taken with how long the M. kobus gang has been blooming. The flowering is only now coming to an end after almost a full month. And the sea of white petals on the ground was quite poetic.

[Paddy Tobin]

Kristl,

Here in Ireland it has  probably been one of the very best magnolia seasons we have had in many years. The flowers escaped being frosted and gave a long and clean display. M. x soulangiana is one of the most widely planted and most reliable cultivars here.

Paddy

[Maggi Young]

Is the name not M. x soulangeana ?

[Olga Bondareva]

Kristl it's a real pleasure to see this beauty! Images with blossom snow are incredible! Thanks for sharing!