Trees of Harringay: A pair of little magnolias at the bottom of Cavendish

At this time of year, I like to keep my eyes open for the first magnolia buds. Magnolias are such strange and beautiful trees. It's curious to think that these trees evolved 95 million years ago during the Cretaceous period before bees evolved and co-existed with the dinosaurs. They were pollinated by ancient insects, also still with us, that we now call beetles.

They have lovely soft furry buds which erupt into brightly coloured flowers. There's a pair of small magnolia street trees that I like to make a bee-line, or should that be a beetle-line to, at this time of year at the bottom of Cavendish standing between Dostlar

and The Dusty Knuckle

Keep an eye on them this month as you walk on Green Lanes as soon this little pair will be full of deep pink flowers

Why not share your pictures of magnolia trees where you are in the comments?