istudios

Pruning Magnolias

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Pruning: Magnolias generally dont need a lot of pruning, but if you understand their growth habit they may be modified to fit a smaller growing space than they would normally require. With careful selecting of varieties, pruning will also increase the production of pickable flowers. All magnolias go through an establishment growth phase which is … Read more

Planting Magnolias

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Growing Magnolias in New Zealand Taranaki Experience Our climate is ideal for magnolias with the even rainfall and free draining soil, but the soil is light and its volcanic nature means it is low in phosphates. Varieties such as ‘Ian’s Red’ (from Drury, South Auckland) and  ‘Genie’ (raised locally) which are the reddest varieties in … Read more

Guidelines for Establishing your Desert Garden

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This is the outline for a presentation on the subject at Magnolia Grove for the Rhododendron and Garden Festival 2010 BOTANICALLY SIMPLE: We have a few main plant families that create the basic structure. Agave 20, Aloes 33, Cereus types (columnar) 20, Opuntiods(prickly pear types) 21, Yuccas 7. The Desert Garden at Magnolia Grove has … Read more

Magnolia ecology

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Magnolia is an ancient genus. Appearing before bees did, the flowers evolved to encourage pollination by beetles. To avoid damage from pollinating beetles, the carpels of Magnolia flowers are extremely tough. Fossilised specimens of Magnolia acuminata have been found dating to 20 million years ago, and of plants identifiably belonging to the Magnoliaceae dating to … Read more