Among the Japanese Magnolias: Kentucky Woman Series

For a brief few weeks in very early Spring, even before the first official day arrives, Bernheim Arboretum's Japanese Magnolia trees burst forth with a stunning display of color. Witnessing this event over the course of those weeks requires perseverance. As the old adage says, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

The first Japanese Magnolias customarily spring forth even before the other trees in the arboretum. These trees set among the other ornamental trees just outside the gates of the arboretum. As the earliest days of Spring approach, these particular trees ready themselves with vivid dark pink buds, ready to burst open, while the temperatures continue to fluctuate between Winter and Spring. The vivid pink Magnolia buds find their moment, at just the right temperature, and open to reveal glorious pink blooms.

As I walked among the arboretum trees in year's past, deep green fuzz appears as buds. Soon slick buds of varying pinks will adorn the craggy branches mixed in with the blossoms themselves. The sun and shade illuminates the petals revealing various hues of pink. Large clusters of Japanese Magnolia buds and blooms are present on every branch on every tree in a display of brilliant color.

One particular Spring the temperatures were especially mild leaving the beautiful Magnolia blossoms to linger on the branches. On that visit I walked among the trees, stopping at one point, as I realized something amazing. I took a breath and smiled. The pungent fragrance of Magnolia blossoms filled my senses. I gave thanks to the warmer temperatures for allowing the blossoms to give up such a magnificent aroma. Everything around me was enveloped in beauty to see and smell.

As a photographer, you want to take the most breath taking photos when you are capturing images of flowers. As blooms clung to branches wide open, the stamen inside revealed a landscape all its own. I attempted to capture its beauty as I came in close to the blossom snapping images. Some blossoms opened only slightly while others seemed to open as though to welcome you in.

Anxiously awaiting early Spring, with its varying degrees of temperatures, requires patience. Knowing the end result will be glorious buds, in various hues of lavender and pink, helps to ease the pain. Seeing the visual display of magnificent buds and blossoms and taking in the fragrant scent of Japanese Magnolias leaves you feeling as though you have experienced something truly magical. God surely planned it this way and I am so utterly happy he did. I hope you will plan a trip to Bernheim during this season. And I hope you will experience what I have in years past. I will be back with a second post on this subject. Only it will feature the hues of yellow that are displayed alongside the pink Japanese Magnolias. I hope you will come back. ENJOY!

Can Spring Be Far Away?

This week the temperatures are going to be in the 70's here in Tennessee as well as the Eastern United States. I wonder if Winter is really done or the warm temperatures are just a tease. Something tells me that we have not seen the last of Winter. I found this beautiful Japanese Magnolia bloom in my archives recently. Every time I pass over it I linger. It is so beautiful. I would love to be able to capture the Japanese Magnolia trees and the Crab Apple trees in bloom at Bernheim this Spring. Perhaps I can. Have a wonderful week. ENJOY!

Oh Winter, Oh Spring!

With virtually no Winter here in Tennessee this year and not sure if Winter's grip has given up its hold, I witnessed two beautiful Japanese Magnolia trees in full bloom in Nashville this week. Has Spring arrived? I wanted to feature this pale pink Japanese Magnolia hybrid photo I captured several years ago at Bernheim. The faintest pink hue I had ever seen. The lavender buds were as beautiful as its pale pink bloom. God works in wondrous ways. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead. ENJOY!

Southern Magnolia

Southern Magnolia trees are found throughout all of the Southeastern United States, although they are more common along the Gulf coast and the southern Atlantic shore. While Palm trees dot the landscape in the southeastern states, Bald Cypress trees grow in the Louisiana swamps, and rows of Georgia Peach and Florida Orange trees thrive in groves throughout Georgia and Florida, one would think one of those trees would be synonymous of the South. Not so. The Southern Magnolia holds that crown.

As images of the old Southern Plantations are conjured up, the Southern Magnolia tree undoubtedly comes to mind. I can see the Southern Belles sitting under the Magnolia trees in their long flowing dresses sipping glasses of sweet tea and chatting about their Southern gentlemen. Those are bygone days obviously. You can, however, still tour many of the old plantations around the South to this day, and no doubt, you will find a Southern Magnolia tree or two growing on the grounds.

Every Spring I would spend time at Bernheim photographing the Japanese Magnolias with their blush pink and pale yellow blooms. While there are few Japanese Magnolias here in Nashville, Southern Magnolias are plentiful. I hope to capture a few more photos before the heat browns the pedals and the gorgeous blooms wither. Have a great week all. ENJOY!

Yellow Japanese Magnolias

Luck was on my side this Spring as I was able to photograph the beautiful hybrid Japanese Magnolia trees in bloom at Bernheim. It has been a month at least since I made a day trip up to Louisville. On the way back to Nashville, I stopped in at Bernheim just south of Louisville and there to greet me were gorgeous yellow and pink blooms.

If you have been a follower for long, you know how much I love Bernheim. And if you are new here, look back at some of the posts over the years. Bernheim is gorgeous in almost any season and I am positive there's an image in each one you will surely enjoy. At Bernheim the arboretum houses about ten hybrid Japanese Magnolias within close proximity of each other. Their beautiful blooms vary in color from blush to yellow to a deep pink.

As you walk among the trees, the scent of Magnolia blooms wafts through the air. It is so intoxicating that you really don't want to leave the arboretum. Today, I wanted to share two different perspectives of these beautiful flowers. I would love to know which one you like best. I hope to be back soon. I hope you promise to come back. ENJOY!

Linking to Foodie Friday and Everything Else

Japanese Magnolia

There is no doubt in my mind it would take a few months to post all of the images I captured over the past few years of the flowering Japanese Magnolias at Bernheim.

Just one of the many gorgeous photos I took. Gorgeous, not because I took them, but because these flowers are so beautiful that words barely can describe. It has been a busy few weeks and sadly, I haven't had much of an opportunity to get out and take photos. Hopefully, I can do so this weekend should the weather allow. I promise I will be back soon. ENJOY!

Linking to Foodie Friday and Everything Else and Skywatch Friday

Winter Blues

Winter I am done with you! 

Done with ice, sleet, freezing rain, snow, bitter cold, dark and dreary days. 

I am done with dry skin, slipping on sidewalks, sliding in the parking lot, scraping ice off car windows. 

I am done with wrapping my scarf tighter, putting the gloves on, taking the gloves off.

I am done with grabbing more logs for the fire, turning the thermostat up again, reaching for a fresh mug of hot coffee.

I know that most of you have had a much harsher Winter than I have had in Kentucky and Tennessee.

I know here the bitter cold cannot compare to that of the northern States, not to mention the Canadian Provinces. 

So forgive me for being done, but I simply can't take any more.

This week we had an inch of ice, the following day an inch of snow.

The following day the temperature dropped to sub zero whilst we attempted to dig out our lives. 

Then yesterday snow, sleet and freezing rain fell all within one evening's time. 

Today it is raining. A rain that brings icicles crashing to the ground.

A rain that makes for a dark and dreary Winter's day.

A rain that just will not stop and no doubt will bring with it flooding. 

One would expect on such a day to find Noah guiding the animals to the Ark 'two by two.'

I long for sunny days, bright blue skies and fluffy white clouds that slowly move across the sky.

I long for warm breezes that brush against my cheek and turns my frown into a smile.

I long for flowers in every shape, size and configuration on every walk, stroll or hike.

I long for Spring. 

And while I am longing for Winter to be done, I ask, are you with me? ENJOY!

A Soft Feel

This beautiful Japanese Magnolia bloom is just one of the many blooms I found at Bernheim Saturday glistening in the bright sunshine as I walked around the many Magnolia trees taking in the beauty and the wonderful scents of Spring.

As I looked through my images from that shoot, this image beckoned to me to post it. But, something didn't seem quite right. And then I softened the image. And there it was, the beauty came shining through right back at me. There all along waiting for me to see it. I love it when that happens. ENJOY!

White Magnolias

As the many colors of the beautiful Japanese Magnolia trees bloom throughout the Arboretum at Bernheim, I pay a visit or two to capture their whites and pinks and yellows.

Speaking of yellow, the yellow Magnolias are at full bud right now and ready to burst forth. I promise I will stop by one day this week late in the day and take a few images. There is something about those gorgeous yellow Magnolias that just can't be beat. Hope you had a great weekend. I took a long three days off to catch my breath from a busy last few weeks of work and to catch up on some shopping, photo taking and hanging out. ENJOY!

Valentine Wishes

Spring surely is around the corner when Valentine's Day approaches. This gorgeous pink Japanese Magnolia bloom is no doubt a sure sign too. I can barely wait to see them burst forth this year.

I wish for you a day filled with flowers or chocolates or a romantic dinner. Or perhaps a sweet Valentine card with a sappy 'Be Mine' is more your style. No matter what your style on this beautiful day of love, I hope it finds you filled with joy. Have a wonderful heart filled Valentine's Day. ENJOY!

PHOTOGRAPHER'S NOTE: A new banner graces the blog today. Perhaps if I post a Spring banner, the Daffodils will get the message!

Yellow Magnolia

Yes, there are plenty of white and pink Japanese Magnolias blooming at Bernheim. But I think my favorite has to be the yellow Magnolia blooms.

It's because they are so cheerful and sunny. Wouldn't you agree? I'm taking a long weekend so hopefully I'll have some time to get out there and create some beautiful images. Have a great weekend. ENJOY!