Spring (aka Ugly*) Sock visits the flowers.
Every spring, I am re-amazed at pink magnolia trees. I wish I knew more about plants, so I could tell you the correct latin name of different magnolias species, but alas, my magnolia knowledge is limited. What I do know is that in San Francisco, where I grew up, we have magnolias, but the leaves come first, and then, on each tree every month or so, you might get one, and if you’re lucky, maybe two, handsome, giant white magnolias. (According to Wikipedia, these kinds of magnolias–leaves first, flowers second–are known as the Magnolia subgenus Magnolia.) They’re magnificent, but kind of snooty. Like, here, aren’t we perfect? Here’s our one giant flower. Appreciate it, fool.
The first year I lived in New York, I remember being stunned by the pink magnolia trees at school. San Francisco, due to our mild climate and a city-wide pride in ecological gardening, really does not put on a good flower show in the spring. (Drought-resistant shubbery, yes.) The penninsula does, I know, export roses and gardenias, but the city is too cold for those to flourish. But when I saw that first pink magnolia tree, surrounded by daffodils in the quad, I felt a mad crazy love for New York. I didn’t even know such a frilly, fancy, all-flower-and-no-leaf tree could even exist, and it made me feel so happy to be living in the city. (Magnolias that display flowers first, leaves second, are Magnolia subgenus Yulania, or so says Wikipedia.)
I’ve lived in New York for over ten years, and every spring, I am still filled with amazement at the pink magnolia trees. It’s like nature puked up the chicest, girliest plant ever. (I like cherry, dogwood, and pear trees too, but the pink magnolias are the bestest.)
(These flower photos were taken outside of the Central Park Zoo. Some BSC fans might remember the Central Park zoo as a crucial setting for BSC # 18. It is disturbing how much I have retained from the BSC.)
*I started feeling bad about calling the Ugly Sock the Ugly Sock. Not that it has feelings, but I have decided to call it by its given name, Spring Sock, rather than its unfortunate nickname, Ugly Sock.
April 25th, 2007 at 11:27 am #Adam
She be an ugly sock, thar’s what ’tis. š
April 25th, 2007 at 11:52 am #jenny
I love those trees, too! And I had no idea they were magnolias! I’m so used to the glossy-leafed kind that I wouldn’t have made the connection. (Side note: in the South, they tend to have many blooms at once. They are pretty impressive.)
Last time I was in Central Park there was a pink one blossoming by the lake, and there was literally a line of brides (like 6 or 7) waiting to get photographed in front of it. The only thing about them is that the blooms don’t last long. Which I’m sure offers some sort of life lesson on the transience of beauty, etc.
April 27th, 2007 at 3:37 pm #Sarah
BSC for life!!!
I remember a lot too
April 29th, 2007 at 2:42 pm #Claire
Jenny: I know! I wish they would last longer too, but I am sure that there is some proverb about their fleeting beauty.
Sarah: BSC forever.
Adam: Ugly sock will get you.