Yesterday while in Boston to meet with clients at their home on Comm. Ave, I couldn’t help but take a snapshot of the glorious saucer magnolias blooming along the avenue. I wished I’d had more time because just as I was leaving, the sun began to poke out. The stunning display that you see lining the south-facing side is the genius of one woman and when I have time, will write more about her brilliant accomplishment to which we are all the beneficiaries, more than fifty years after planting!
Magnolia soulangeana Commonwealth Avenue Boston
At the Gloucester HarborWalk Gardens, we planted two species of magnolia adjacent to each other. Many arboretums, such as Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum, plant several species within the same plant family in close proximity to provide an opportunity to learn by comparing the differences and similarities. I wanted our community to enjoy a mini-arboretum experience by planting two of the most beautiful magnolias that grow well in our region, the saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) and sweetbay magnolia (M. virginiana). Stop by in the coming weeks to visit our gorgeous magnolias in bloom. M. soulangeana will bloom first, followed by M. virginiana.
The Friends of the HarborWalk will be back at the HarborWalk this Sunday (tomorrow morning), beginning at 9am. We’ll meet in front of the Gloucester House. Come lend a hand–its work, but fun with this growing great group of community-spirited friends. Everyone is welcome!
Please leave a comment in the comment section or feel free to contact me if you have any questions at kimsmithdesigns@hotmail.com.
Good Morning Gloucester 
Hi Kim – I’ll be down there from 8:30-9:30. Where do you want me to start?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Leslie, We have the two borders tomorrow, the one in front of the Gloucester House and the long one that runs the length, near the Gus Foote plaque. Whichever one you’d like would be great. Thank you so much Leslie!
LikeLike
I’ll start at the Gloucester House since I don’t know the location of the Gus Foote plaque.
LikeLike
I love magnolias. When I was little we had a saucer magnolia in our backyard in Napa, CA (magnolia soulangeana, I think the Latin name was; my mother taught us the Latin names of plants). Lovely big petals with the most delicate color.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing Mary–it must have grown quite large in CA! The soulangeanas are my favorites (if I had to choose).
LikeLike
Yes, it grew large and lovely.
LikeLike