it's National Arbor Day!

As we had Earth Day on Tuesday, it's only appropriate that we have National Arbor Day today!

Because today isn't a day off work- it's a promise to the earth!

J. Sterling Morton said it best more than 140 years ago. when he said, "Other holidays repose upon the past. Arbor Day proposes for the future."
Arbor Day is celebrated nationally on the last Friday in April every year, but your state may have a different STATE Arbor Day:(for Louisiana, that is the Third Friday in January).

So in honor of Arbor day, I thought I'd share a little bit about our favorite Southern tree,

Southern Magnolia georgia


Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) 
The Southern Magnolia is a magnificent tree with a name that is somewhat misleading. Although it is most prevalent in the South (it is the state tree of Mississippi ), its zone 6 planting range means it can grow in many northern areas, even as far north as parts of Maine, Michigan, and Washington.

It is native to America and grows wild, scattered through fertile, bottom land forests. It is thought to be one of the oldest trees, going back to pre-historic times! Because of it's capability to bend, it is a great shade tree for those in Hurricane zones! It can even grow up to 80 feet! The one in our front yard is taller than our house and waaaayy over 100 years old! As an ornamental, it is beloved for its year-round foliage and delightful, large, late-spring flowers. The name magnolia honors a French botanist, Pierre Magnol, who admired the tree so much that he transplanted it to Europe 300 years ago!

kiddo n magnolia
One blossom from our tree!


Be sure to check out the national Arbor Day Foundation website for great activities for today, the history of the holiday and to find trees for your zone!

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