We are waiting for the daylilies in our garden to begin blooming. It appears that the season is about a week delayed, which is surprising given our beautiful spring. But there are other garden specimens that attract our attention.

Our magnolia tree has begun to bloom, joining the countless magnolia trees in the Nashville area. Magnolia species are numerous, with more than 210 belonging to the family, and they are ancient. I read that they pre-date bees and that there are fossils of them that are more than 20 million years old. The original pollinators were thought to be beetles. The center portion, the carpels, are substantive and can withstand the traffic of beetles.

We planted our tree 9 years ago on Memorial Day weekend and it was barely taller than the fence and now it's nearly triple that height. But it doesn't begin to compare with some of the massive Nashville magnolias. Still, I enjoy it so and the blooms are so photogenic.

These hardy trees, at least for the southern climate, testify to strength and resilience and amazing blooms.