Commonly known as the southern magnolia, this tree is native to the southeastern United States. It can grow to around 27 metres in height and is an evergreen tree with large dark green foliage and beautiful large perfumed flowers that can reach 30cm in diameter. Its name comes from the Latin words grandis or big and flor or flower. Until the beginning of 2018, a striking southern magnolia that had been planted by President Andrew Jackson around 200 years earlier grew near the South Portico of the White House. It had by all accounts been planted as a seedling from Jackson's plantation in Tennessee. It was the oldest tree on the grounds of the White House and for decades it was portrayed on the back of the 20 dollar banknote.
In Dzamling Gar we have three magnolia trees - one on each lawn. Here in Tenerife the light of late afternoon, just before sunset, is very intense and transforms the colors of the flowers, brightening them to a striking pink. It is the moment when, everything said and done, Dzamling Gardens quietly rest in their golden glory.
