petals

  

The magnolias are truly magnificent at the moment at The Savill Garden. I was taking all the usual photos of the large, stately flowers (always described as 'waxy' which makes me think they should have wicks in the centre and be lit at night to create wonderful tree-lights) but when I looked down at the paths and areas underneath the trees, I saw a far more interesting picture. Large pale pink and ivory petals that are just beginning to turn brown with age lie thickly, creating a beautiful carpet which could inspire a lovely fabric design.

I also thought, once again, that 'petal' is a pretty term of affection (I use it a lot, especially in the form of 'petal-flower', something which never used to bother the children...). And that Petal would be a lovely name to go with Peach Blossom and Orange Pastel Tree. And then I found out that Jamie Oliver was thinking along the same lines with his new baby, Petal Blossom Rainbow (who has sisters with pretty interesting names, too).

Comments

[The Antidote]

Both my father-in-law and my husband affectionately call my mother-in-law and I "Pet" which is short for "Petal", it sounds very sweet in their soft northern accents.

[Rebecca]

I too associate "petal" with the northern accents of my childhood.

I've been admiring the fallen petals in Highgate recently. My knowledge of horticulture is somewhat limited, so I didn't know the trees were magnolias (assuming they're the same, which they look as if they are). I just call them "the trees with flowers that look like giant lily petals" I want one of those trees one day so I can press the flowers and have them all year round. They're beautiful.

[Alison]

Oh my, that is a truly gorgeous magnolia carpet...

[abeachcottage]

hmmm lovely name and a great shot

Sarah

[Amy]

I love magnolia trees! They always tell me it is truly spring. The ones outside the cathedral in Oakland have finally finished blooming just in time for Easter. Oh and the smell! So fresh and new.

[The 6 O'Clock Stitch]

They look good enough to eat. Beautiful image. I had never thought of "Pet" being short for "Petal". I love that.

[Ali]

Can't help but feel sad when I see the Magnolia petals on the ground - they are so beautiful, but for such a brief moment.

[Lindsay]

I love the blossoming of the magnolia trees - makes me feel that spring has finally arrived at last. Petal is a lovely term of affection and one which I often use for my baby daughter.

[aneela]

You never miss a thing Jane! while everyone else snaps the trees you relish in the beauty of decaying discarded petals of glorious sepia tinged pinkness.
And I didn't even know Jamie had a new baby!

[Janice]

I love to see magnolias in bloom. I've planted one but it is stubbornly refusing to flower although it has started to grow. Love the petals too. Beautiful photograph.

[maxine]

Bunny's mother on in The Shipping News is named Petal. Every February I take pictures of the carpet of petals shed from our tulip magnolia except this year, our yard man beat me to them, so thanks for posting this!

[Laura]

The mix of pink, brown and ivory is lovely! Our magnolia blossoms don't have any pink in them, only cream - now I'm wishing they were different.

[Rhiannon]

Love the petal carpet. For some reason the colours remind me of those pink and white marshmallows that you used to get, half coated in chocolate and coconut. Exactly those colours :) Your blog always throws up some treasure :)

[Samantha]

Completely off the subject of magnolias, I just wanted to let you know that I was recently given a copy of Cherry Cake and Ginger Beer for my birthday and the pancake recipe from the book is now our family favourite. Absolutely delicious. Mmmmmm.

[Tonya]

Coming to the yarnstorm blogspot always inspires me and your work continues to move me meaningfully in more words than I can say. Beautiful images!