Magnificent magnolias: Celebrating the fleeting but fabulous trees of spring

It's magnolia time on P.E.I. and Prince Edward Islanders are soaking in the sight and smell of the fabulous flowering tree.

The magnolia is also fleeting, blooming for one to four weeks and for some, it has a special emotional attachment.

The knitting club

For one group of friends, who gather to knit together, the magnolia has a special significance.

It started seven years ago when one of the members, Susan Tweel received a magnolia on Mother's Day. The variety was aptly named the "Susan" and has thrived ever since.

"I've always loved magnolias," said Tweel.

"I got mine for Mother's Day and it's one of the first things blooming in my garden every spring."

"I love that the flowers cover the entire tree and for a short time it looks like a huge purple flower bouquet in my garden," said Tweel.

"It's scent is subtle, but it's citrusy and sweet."

"Even after the blooms have fallen, the leaves that follow are a deep, rich, waxy green beautiful."

Share the love

The magnolia was much admired by the rest of the knitting club, and when one of the knitter's aunt died the following spring, Tweel suggested they buy her a magnolia tree to plant in her garden in memory of her aunt.

Now all of the group has at least one magnolia.

"All of the knitters love magnolias," said Tweel.

"So we made sure everyone got one for their birthday, if they didn't already have one."

Memories of her mother

"Love them," said Cheryl Good, manager at Earthform Garden Centre in Stratford, P.E.I.

"I think the fragrance, the look of them, just everything about them."

The magnolia also has a special significance for Good.

"I bought my mom one and she's no longer with me so therefore it's kind of a sentimental one too to me."

Feel good flowers

Good also regards the blooms of the magnolia as a sign that warmer weather has arrived.

"Because they're there in the spring, first thing in the spring and it's that wow spring is on its way."

"The magnolias are out, the fragrance is there so it makes you feel good."

More Islanders are adding magnolias to their gardens, says Good.

"With TLC they will survive and we do see a lot of different kinds of magnolias growing here on P.E.I. so I think they're well-adapted for growing here."

150 magnolias

There are magnolias lining the streets of downtown Charlottetown, planted in 2005 as part of the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the city. One hundred and fifty magnolias were planted, both in parks and as street trees.

"They're doing quite well, we were trying something new I think back at the time and we're surprised that they're doing quite well as a street tree," said Beth Hoar, Parkland Conservationist for the City of Charlottetown.

"They're certainly a beautiful addition to our city."

There are also some magnolias in other parks around the city.

"Some of our parks are fairly ornamental so they fit in there," said Hoard.

"They really add to the aesthetics of the park, so there are appropriate spots for them, for sure."

Hoar also enjoys seeing them bloom, a welcome sign of spring.

"They make a dreary time of year quite pretty."

Karin's magnolia

My first and still my favourite magnolia is on Passmore Street in Charlottetown, outside the house once owned by my friend Karin Laronde Antolick.

Karin was known to many Islanders for her food for her catering company called Eat Well-Food with Thought. She was also a familiar face at the Charlottetown Farmers Market for many years.

Every spring, Karin's friends, including me, would make regular detours travelling through Charlottetown to grab a look at her marvellous magnolia.

When she moved, Karin planted another magnolia at her new home.

She passed away in February 2014, and every year, I make sure to visit her magnolia.

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