Spring is springing

I know Spring is finally here as my magnolia tree has been slowly fattening up its buds for over a month now, and one of them has finally shed its outer layer to reveal a hint of the colour to come.

There are a few other magnolias in my street that were in full flower weeks ago, but all too quickly dropped their petals because of continuing cold days and are now covered in leaves. Mine always waits until late August before it flowers, and boy do those flowers hang on and on.

I use my tree as a true indication that Winter is finally on its way out