One day they are buds and the next, with just the right combination of sun and warmth, the Magnolia blossoms unfurl in splendorous shades of pink, lavender and white. For a few days this celebration continues. But almost as soon as the petals are fully exposed they begin to discolor and drop, one-by-one to the ground below.  

 Over the next few days the fragile carpet of white and pink will build at the base of the tree as it takes on it’s coat of summer green—one cycle ending as another begins.