The southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) has many fine qualities. During the winter, the large shiny evergreen leaves brighten the landscape. Come springtime, new growth includes showy white flowers whose fragrance carries on the breeze.
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Simultaneous with that new growth, the tree jettisons its old supply of leaves. If a magnolia graces your yard, you'll find yourself gathering up the leaves in May. For me that means taking them far into the back yard and spreading them on the ground in the woods. In a wet year, the previous year's leaves will be mostly rotten by the time you show up with another batch. In a dry year, you might begin to think the leaves will stick around forever.
The leaves currently on the ground are only a fraction of what will fall. This will be a monthlong project. Note the REAL leaf rake against the tree. I don't believe in burning fossil fuels to move leaves from one place to another.
New growth, including a flower bud.
This is why the species name is grandiflora.
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