Yes We Still Have Tulips

The tulips are almost done, and late bloomers are putting on a show. Azalea and rhododendron buds are getting ready to burst open. The last magnolia blossoms are captured in still life for future viewing. I seem to be in a close up phase, and have a craving for a macro lens:).

Magnolia

My magnolia had beautiful blooms this season, although somewhat limited due to a severe pruning last year. It had grown so large that it required a trimming twice in one season to keep it contained, so I'm sure that some of this years blooms were cut off. I love the large size and primitive structures of the blooms themselves. A very photogenic flower indeed.

Magnolia

Magnolia blossoms have been compared to some of the very first flowers...ever. Their reproductive structures have primitive features, such as multiple stamens and pistils on one receptacle. They have demonstrated similarities to some of the oldest fossil flowers discovered.