Stellar Performance

I was tying up a clematis vine last weekend and noticed a beautiful scent wafting through the air.  While the gorgeous spring blooms of a nearby Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) had always entertained me, I hadn't realized that its blossoms also emitted a soft, floral scent.  

This large, rounded shrub was moved to its present location years ago.  And even though this new stage was less than ideal and partially shady in summer, this magnolia always provided an abundant amount of star-shaped blooms each April followed by healthy green foliage throughout the warmer months. 

After years of viewing the same old show, it's so gratifying to discover something new (and fragrant) about this star performer.