One of the things I’ve discovered this spring is just how many types of Magnolias there are.  On a couple of visits to the National Arboretum, I’ve photographed two types of magnolias – and seen many more varieties.

The most recent magnolia I photographed at the Arboretum was a hybrid magnolia named Judy. It is a cross between a lilflora ‘nigra’ and a stellata ‘rosea’ magnolias. I loved the various shades of pink in the petals.

My first photos were taken with the sun shining directly on the flowers.

(c) 2009 Patty Hankins

When I walked around the tree – I was amazed at how differnt the flowers looked backlit by the sun.

(c) 2009 Patty Hankins

(c) 2009 Patty Hankins

(c) 2009 Patty Hankins

This last one was photographed with my camera at a 45 degree angle – I just haven’t figured out how to display it so you can see it the way I saw it.

(c) 2009 Patty Hankins

If you like magnolias, be sure to plan a spring visit to the National Arboretum. Their Holly and Magnolia collection is wonderful.