As a Botanist and volunteer with the Museum, I will be contributing to the Gardens section of the blog. Check back on Thursdays to learn about the gardens, and feel free to ask any questions you may have. The thousands of annual plants in the Cummer Gardens are carefully selected to withstand the seasonal weather conditions. The Delphinium, Foxglove, and Pinks have just completed the winter planting. Right now the pansies, violas, snapdragons, and petunias are beautiful. Come often to see how the garden changes throughout the year. I am always happy to answer your questions from my experience.
Our Magnolia x Soulangiana, or Saucer Magnolia is in full bloom in the Italian garden. The blooms are very large 8-10 inches across when it is fully opened. Ours are a deep lustrous purple, with aspectrum of many beautiful pinks and purples. The huge flowers open before the leaves appear to give a glorious mass of color after a bleak winter. This Magnolia was discovered in Asia on one of the many plant explorations from Arboretums in America.
