Magic at Magnolian Grove

HOT. HOT. HOT. What can you do? If you've been reading along, you know I hate paperwork. Well....would it give you a hint at how hot it is if I told you that my inbox of bills, statements, etc, is completely empty? I've been getting up REALLY early to work. I've been swimming every afternoon to cool off. But sometimes, I've just got to get away and stop thinking about how hot it is.


Last week I had the distinct honor and incredible privilege to ride with Dr Mike Dirr and Coach Vince Dooley to see the Magnolia collection of Dick and Anita Figlar in the foothills of South Carolina. Dick is the global Magnolia guru, and has a comprehensive collection of Magnolias from around the world. It was hot there, too, but we were all bubbling with energy.
After a quick pit stop and a bottle of water, we headed out to the collection. What Dick has done with this 20 acre slice of woodland paradise is remarkable. Cleared paths, lined paths, rock piles, and planted Magnolias at every step mark off the days and years of Dick's fascination with this group of plants. They purchased this property 20 some years ago, with the idea that it would be a long term retirement destination, and it could also house the collection as it grew. Trouble was, they lived in New York. Quite a commute!
A small loft cabin became a vacation home for the family every year. The boys grew, and so did the collection.
     


We walked down the hill to the creek. We walked up the hill to the cabin. We headed up another hill to the Magnolia grandiflora collection. All the while, Dick was elucidating the subtle differences of species and varieties. This time, Dirr played the expert as student. Taxonomy and DNA studies cemented the conclusions, but we all had our favorites,

Magnolia faveolata 'Shibamichi Gold'

Magnolia yuyuanensis

and I still had plenty of questions and missing information.  


While Magnolias are tops with these two, Dick pointed out a weeping Nyssa sylvatica

weeping Nyssa

on the property that gave us all shivers, even as we sweat.  

The animated conversation continued in air conditioned comfort at the lunch table Anita had set for us. I felt at times like I was watching a tennis match, but it sure was a good one. The Figlars are a delightful couple, and tremendous hosts. I really appreciated the incredible lesson.

Weeper's Walk

After the ride back to Athens, we stretched our legs at the Dooley garden. 

Coach Dooley has a beautiful garden, and a fabulous collection of plants of all kinds. We perused the Magnolias first, then followed the paths to the rest of the treasures. We checked out the new conifer areas in the garden, especially installed for the ACS SE Region tour he will host in October. I barely kept up with the continuous plant quiz from the Professor. It was a smile at every turn.

Cercidiphyllum japonicum 'Tidal Wave'

Evergreen Kousa cultivars

Woody plants are what I do. This day full of the best of woody plants with the best of woody plant people is the best work day I can imagine.  I have to say again how much of a thrill it was for me to be that little fly on the wall at the meeting of these giants of horticulture. I promise you, I never thought about the weather for one second that day, and had plenty to think about for days to come.You know....it's true......

People don't notice whether it's winter or summer when they're happy. 

~Anton Chekhov