At the hint of spring, our magnolia bush is one of the very first flowers to make an appearance. Today, the large downy-covered pods are about to unfurl into a delicate dance of pale froth right on cue, as spring officially arrives. Hurray for spring! I hope you are seeing hints of it in your backyard, and feeling inspired, renewed, and refreshed.
This glorious show is somewhat short-lived though, which makes it nice to have the 'magnificent magnolia' as part of our state flower quilt. Actually, there are two blocks--as it is also the flower choice for Louisiana. So we will be stitching it again--reversed next time, and with the same colors. I think these these soft, subtle colors add balance to the more saturated ones. I snuck in some peachy-pink around the edges to give it a little "lift" off the background.
COLORS: cream petals #3823; pink petals #754; center--light orange #728; leaves & stems #471--472 range. Letters #645.
Mississippi flower facts: An election to choose a state flower was held in November 1900. Among the contenders were the cape jasmine and cotton flower, plus 42 other varieties, but it was the magnolia (magnolia grandiflora) that won out after it received half the votes, from nearly 24,000 school children. In 1938 the magnolia was also selected as the state tree. But the state flower wasn't officially designated by legislature until February 26, 1952. (I'm not sure why they waited so long.)
My box of colored floss arrived yesterday and I got back to work--my needle is flying. More flowers coming soon!
This one is really pretty, Vicki. The first flower that I can remember falling in love with, is the magnolia blossom. When I was about 5 or 6 years old, my granpa owned a "roadhouse" in Alabama. Outside in the dirt parking lot were great big magnolia trees. They seemed as tall as the sky to me then, and the flowers were huge and fragrant, and out of reach. They weren't the tulip shaped ones like we have here in the PNW, though I think those are pretty too. I used to think those southern magnolias were the most beautiful things I'd ever seen. One day, my Uncle Greg climbed up on his car, and into the tree somehow, and he cut me one. I still remember how happy that flower made me, and how special he made me feel by doing that for me. It was huge and creamy, and looked like velvet. Nearby there was a small grove of pecan trees. Those were special too. I always think of red dirt, the smell of cedar and pine trees, pecans and those beautiful magnolias when I think of Alabama.
Posted by: Account Deleted | March 20, 2011 at 11:25 PM
Very pretty colors in this flower. Glad that your embroidery floss arrived and that you have new colors to work your magic.
Posted by: Vee | March 21, 2011 at 05:41 AM
Wow, even though we have magnolia trees around, I have never realized how amazingly beautiful they are when first blooming. Thanks so much for the picture and the wonderful reminder to get out and enjoy God's gifts.
Posted by: 31Summers | March 21, 2011 at 11:17 AM
Sweet Home, Alabama!
Posted by: Donna Mac | March 21, 2011 at 01:03 PM
What a great story Lena, thanks for sharing it. Those early experiences make an impact on us, don't they? I didn't mention this in the post, but I planted a 'Grand Victoria' magnolia tree in my front yard about 3 summers ago, and it is starting to spread and grow now. The flowers are large and cream colored--they smell wonderful. They look just like the pattern for the quilt block!
Posted by: vicki haninger | March 21, 2011 at 01:23 PM
Me too! I was haunting that mailbox! :o)
Posted by: vicki haninger | March 21, 2011 at 01:24 PM
What a wonderful ?coincidence? March 20 was my mother-in-law's bday. She is from Mississippi and LOVED her magnolias. This was the 2nd birthday we celebrated in her memory. How nice to see this Mississippi tribute on your blog on March 20. Thank you.
Posted by: Beth | March 21, 2011 at 06:16 PM
Just beautiful - you are so talented!!
Posted by: SewnBySaliba | March 22, 2011 at 03:36 AM
The good Lord works in wonderful and mysterious ways! xo
Posted by: vicki haninger | March 22, 2011 at 10:48 AM
Oh, Vicki, my beautiful Magnolia. Thank you for doing this, especially for me. Your work will rival the real flowers once they bloom from the big tree in our front yard; which, for us in the southern part of Mississippi should be in about six weeks. You are a special blogger, and we so appreciate and enjoy you.
Posted by: bshoney | March 25, 2011 at 10:04 PM