Magnolia Season

It's magnolia time here. Many local houses have huge magnolias in their front gardens, the branches reaching to the roof. For most of the year their thick green leaves completely obscure the front windows, offering privacy for the price of deep shade. Now, however, in early April, it's magnolia time. Their glorious blossoms light up the street, ranging from purest white through various shades of pink to purple.

Unfortunately, however, in between blasts of sunshine, we are still experiencing a wintry chill, with north east winds and random handfuls of snow. The magnolia petals are already falling, and those on the trees are starting to look tattered and brown at the edges. A brief, but beautiful season.