Campbell's Magnolia

Visiting Kilmacurragh Arboretum which is now officially part of the National Botanic Garden of Ireland, I was struck once again by the extraordinary beauty of this magnificent Magnolia. If my memory serves me correctly, the seeds were brought back to Europe from somewhere in the region of the Himalayas by Campbell the botanist. Here in Kilmacurragh the seeds germinated, producing a huge and magnificent tree notable for the way it produces huge blooms at this time of year, long before it comes into leaf.
This fascination is renewed every Spring. Pure magic.