The time it was Magnolia Madness…

Magnolia × soulangeana is a hybrid plant in the genus Magnolia and family Magnoliaceae. It is a deciduous tree with large, early-blooming flowers in various shades of white, pink, and purple. It is one of the most commonly used magnolias in horticulture, being widely planted in the south of England.

Many people mark the passage of time with the changing months of a calendar, but if you are a photographer in London with an Instagram account then chances are your calendar looks a bit different.

You’ll wake out of your long winter slumber in February to find the City dripping in pink and red hearts. After running all over capturing the Valentine’s displays you are on high alert for the first real wave of madness. It begins mid March, shifty eyes scanning left and right looking for the first signs of Magnolias.

This pink, purple, or white showy flower welcomes us to spring, takes center stage, then is gone before you can utter ‘Wisteria Hysteria.’ It isn’t unlikely to see multiple people gathered curbside, patiently waiting their turn to photograph a tree in full bloom.

These gorgeous blooms are so delicate and short living that capturing them creates a mad dash to all the usual spots in London. My favourite trees reside in Chelsea, Kensington, and Notting Hill.

Like and old friend you haven’t seen in a year, grammers will flock to the well known spots hoping to capture the perfect photo. A day or two in the wrong direction and you’ll be left photographing the fallen petals.