Every March, as winter fades away, our garden’s magnolia tree puts on its stunning show. This year, on March 26th, it bloomed for the first time, showing off flowers that blend from soft pink at the bottom to creamy white at the tips. Standing under those branches feels like a small miracle.

What’s amazing is that magnolias have been around for over 100 million years—they’re older than bees! Back then, they relied on clumsy beetles to spread their pollen instead.

The tree is named after Pierre Magnol, a French plant expert from the 1600s. Our particular tree is a Saucer Magnolia, a beautiful mix of different varieties.

Magnolias aren’t just pretty—they’re useful too. Chinese medicine has used magnolia buds for hundreds of years to help with stuffy noses and lift people’s moods. In Japan, they pickle the petals and use them to serve miso or rice, adding a subtle floral flavor. Even the scent—gentle, sweet, with a hint of citrus—feels like natural therapy.

These trees are also incredibly patient. Some live more than 100 years, growing more beautiful and stately as time passes.

Our magnolia stands as a testament to nature’s enduring beauty—a faithful companion that returns each spring. Its flowers remind us that every March gives us a fresh start, a chance to begin again.