When the Magnolias bloom …

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June 25, 2009

Anne McKee The Meridian Star Thu Jun 25, 2009, 11:56 PM CDT

When the Magnolias make that perfect bloom -- all is right with the world or so it has seemed to me. I mean what a double treat to gaze upon the creamy white blooms, and then breathe the luscious fragrance -- yep, a double whammy. Now I don't mean to brag (well, maybe just a little) but don't you think that Moonlight, Magnolias, and Mississippi (all together) would bring us very close to a Heavenly scene? Oh come on, you do, don't you?

Year after year I have always noticed the Magnolias in bloom, but this year the official Mississippi state tree and flower has really put on a show, and I'm happy to report I have had a front row seat. It’s due to all of my statewide travel this year that I've enjoyed the beauty of the Magnolia at each location. Now I find myself scanning the yards and forests as I pass by just trying to spot one and I am usually never disappointed. A sight to behold – the dark green glossy leaves where the creamy white blooms nestle just waiting to be noticed or sniffed. I do both.

The Keep Mississippi Beautiful Project has for over 40 years sponsored the Avenue of Magnolias. This program calls for the planting of a Magnolia tree at strategic locations leading into Mississippi. Funding for the Avenue of Magnolias is through private contributions. A twenty-five ($25) contribution will dedicate a specific newly planted tree in honor or memory of your designee. A permanent record of each contribution is on display in the Mississippi Department of Archives and History in Jackson.

So when we travel we can look forward to a grand show of Mississippi’s signature tree and flower – all during the year, but especially when the Magnolias bloom.

MAGNOLIA ENTRANCE LOCATIONS:

US 82 - Greenville

US 49 - Helena Bridge Area

US 61 North - Walls

I-55 North - Hernando

US 78 West - Olive Branch

US 72 - Tennessee Line

SR 7 - Holly Springs

US 45 North - Corinth

US 72 West - Iuka (Exit)

US 78 - Tremont (Exit)

US 278 - Gattman

US 82 - Columbus

I-20 East - Toomsuba (Exit)

US 84 - Waynesboro

US 45 - State Line

US 98 - Lucedale

I-59 Interchanges - Hattiesburg

I-10 East - Escatawpa

SR - 604

SR - 607

I-10 West

I-59 - Picayune

SR 26 - Poplarville

SR 27 - Tylertown

I-55 South - Osyka

SR 33 - Centreville

US 61 South - Woodville

I-10 Interchanges - D' Iberville

I-20 West - Vicksburg

I-55 Interchanges - Grenada or Brookhaven

I-20 Interchanges - Edwards or Morton

US 61/84 South - Natchez

There was a Magnolia tree (and it’s probably still there) that sat right outside my granny’s kitchen window. The tree was really old then judging from its lofty height. My cousin and I would scamper right up to the top branches, which were large and smooth – large enough to play house. Granny would call from the window, “Y’ all come on down now before you fall. It’s time to eat.” Then we would climb even higher, but finally make our way into her kitchen where she had prepared a nice lunch (we called it dinner) consisting of one can of tuna made into a salad, some wiggly/squiggly red Jell-O, and one coke (the small bottle) divided three ways. We were all filled to the brim. Today it is hard to imagine such a small amount of food for three people. Perhaps we were intent on climbing that beautiful Magnolia tree again instead of a big meal?

As a Mississippian I am certain you have Magnolia tree stories as part of your life. Tell those stories to your children and grandchildren. It will bring great joy to you and to them as well. Storytelling is all about the images that flood into one’s minds eye as the story is told. The Magnolia tree – now there is a magnificence image that will always bring a smile.

Oh, I believe I hear my granny calling. It’s time for dinner and time to leave my perch on her Magnolia tree, but I'll come back one day, one sweet day when the Magnolias bloom.

Anne McKee is a writer and storyteller. She lives in Meridian. Anne is listed on the Mississippi Artist Roster sponsored by Mississippi Arts Commission as a dramatic and literary artist and storyteller and as a Teaching Artist. She is active with the arts and educational communities throughout

Mississippi.

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