So nice to hear sister Newvoice is a botanist! I used to read Sunset garden book a lot, and wish the flowers would bloom in our garden.
The magnolias are so treasured in China, we are lucky we get to grow them in our own gardens. It seems like they save up all the energies in the winter, in order to give the best show in the spring. Yes it is interesting their blossoms emerge before leaves. I have some pretty cherry trees, their tender green leaves appear at about the same time with the clouds of pink flowers.
Happy spring, sis.(^O^☆♪