These Magnolia stellata buds have been waiting patiently for springs return. This lovely specimen will be the first small tree to bloom in my April gardens. A native to Japan the subtle deliciously fragrant, pearl-white, many petaled blossoms hang like stars in the day and night garden. It was given to our country as an offering of peace by the Japanese peoples. You can see the tree in the post below. The giant rock maples above are beginning to drip sap and wild bees are sleeping in a cavity in the middle tree.