Maynooth's Magnificent Magnolias

Saint Joseph’s Square in Maynooth College is renowned for its plants from around the world.

At this time of year, the magnolias (MAGNOLIA x soulangeana) are the highlight, with four Magnolia Trees planted across the square linking the entrance to New House with the Dunboyne / Humanity Building. They are distinctive in that their short-lived blooms are the largest of any tree or shrub, and they appear before their leaves, giving us a splendid burst of Spring colour.

Coming to full bloom beside New House

 

 

The various micro-climates in Saint Joseph’s Square are highlighted by the timing of the blooms on the four trees.

1:
The one closest to New House, shown above, blooms first, benefitting from the south facing building adjacent to it, and the extra hours of sunshine and warmth which it enjoys. 

 

2: This second tree below, towards the centre of the square, is a little slower, with its blooms emerging a week or two later. Similarly, the third tree, located across the centre divide will have its blooms still tightly budded, though the first is in full bloom.

The second Magnolia in St Joseph's Square.

 

 

 

 

 

3: The third tree across the centre divide has blooms that are still tightly budded, and none yet in full show.
Blooms trying to burst out on the third tree.

 

 

 

 

 

4: The fourth tree is a young replacement, and because it spends most of its days in the shadow of Humanity Building, it may be weeks behind, without even a hint of bloom.

 

 

 

 

2012 was a very benign Spring, resulting in this magnolia spectacle having its display in March to give us its short lived performance. 2013 will be remembered for how late they arrived at the end of April.

Enjoy the show.

Magnolias bloom in sequence across Saint Joseph's Square
from the sunny, South facing New House, to the more
shaded area near Humanity

The tiny plant in the foreground was the first bloom in Saint Joseph's Square this year.
Click the link for more information on EDGEWORTHIA Chrysantha (Paper Bush).

DMcN