Magnificent Magnolia

The magnolia, that most southern of all Deep South flowers, is budding. The spring breeze captures its sweet aroma and delivers it to street corners, backyard alleys, doorways and park benches. This bloom is one of many on the magnolia tree next to the library.

Children often play underneath these shady tents. The white petals are great for writing "invisible" messages that quickly turn to legible brown scribble.

And, as with most great things, there are drawbacks. When the gigantic leaves drop, they make a mighty mess. Just rake them back under the tree. Then there's the water problem. They require a lot and the leaves curl quickly during a drought.