Yellow Butterflies

Magnolia soulangeana "Butterflies"

The goods - some of Scout's Swag

In my first-ever blog contest, three people guessed the right answer. The mystery flower is a true yellow Japanese magnolia and the variety is 'Butterflies'. I stuff my zone 6a garden as full of as many Southern plants as I can, to remind me of home. I love magnolias, but wanted something that would be hardy and different from your typical pink and purple ones (even though I love them too). So when I saw pictures of yellow magnolias on the i-net, I knew I just had to have one.

Now, in my part of the midwest, people tend to be very suspicious and closed-minded regarding anything (or anyone) that is new and unfamiliar. So that means that the stores here tend to be about 5 years behind on trends, even the garden centers. I had a heck of a time finding anyone who had even heard of a yellow magnolia until last year, when I finally tracked down a very nice little tree. Unfortunately, I had missed the blooms by about 1 week. So it wasn't until earlier this week that I finally saw them blooming in real life. And they are even better than I anticipated! Don't you just love it when that happens?

The winner is Diane, whose name was randomly chosen by Mr. C. Thank you Sonya and Li, who each guessed correctly and will each receive a little surprise. And Juli who did not guess magnolia will get a little something for being a good sport. I enjoy all of your comments and love getting to know you all on your blogs. Thanks! And keep your eyes open for a new contest coming soon as I am approaching my 100th post!

It's late and my stash is spread out all over the great room and must be picked up before bed, so I must go before I finish telling about the rest of the weekend and an exciting addition to the stash. Guess you'll just have to check back next week...