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 are the highlight, with four Magnolia Trees planted across the square linking the entrance to New House with the Humanity Building.  They are distinctive in that their short-lived blooms 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 only now starting to emerge in this second week of April 2010.

The second Magnolia in St Joseph's Square.

 

 

 

 

 

Each tree in turn blooms about a week later than its neighbour, extending our pleasure for many weeks. 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 is weeks behind, without even a hint of bloom yet.

 

 

 

 

2010 has given us a very late Spring, resulting in this magnolia spectacle waiting for April to give us its short lived performance.  

It has been worth the wait.

DM