This time of the year is quite possibly the most magical in NYC. Nature is just starting to reappear after a long Winter slumber and it's not a slow awakening. One day you walk outside and a tree is bare and then the next day it's covered with buds or fully opened flowers. Magnolias are usually the first and eager to make an appearance. I found a couple of trees putting on quite a show. White magnolias are quick to emerge as they only need to feel a little bit of warmth to know it's their time to shine. The pink heavier and regal magnolias tend to open more slowly as you can see below. When the trees are in full bloom it's a truly magnificent spectacle as I saw last year when all the trees bloomed at the same time at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and their fragrance was a heavenly assault on the senses. This year, Spring has been shy to arrive, but it's just as encouraging and hopeful to see scattered blooms here and there. It's a firm promise of warmer times ahead!