There’s one last Full Moon Walk in the luminescent landscape of Magnolias.
It’s Magnolia season at the Botanical Gardens and the most magical way to see the bloom is under a full moon. The glow of the velvety petals under the moonlight is something out of a Midsummer Night’s dream.
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Although the Full Moon walks continue until October, the best time to see this incredible sight is from now through March. During this period, the buds on the dark-wood Magnolia trees open out into magnificent pink and white flowers, filling the air with sweet floral scents and turning the gardens into an enchanting wonderland. So, if you want to catch this rare magic you’ll only have one more moon cycle to do so.
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The garden is home to 63 species, 49 cultivars and 200 trees–with many of them being rare and historic. This makes it one of the most significant collections of Magnolias outside of Asia.
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It all began in 1940 when a Magnolia campbellii (cup and saucer magnolia) in the newly-opened gardens, became the first of its kind to bloom within the US. Many flocked to the gardens, queuing to catch a glimpse of the marvel and nothing much has changed today except the tree has grown to around 80 feet.
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The 2-hour walk goes on in both clear and foggy skies, led by a Garden guide. One can pause to savor the complimentary tea, offered midway through the wander.
Tickets are $30 each and March slots have already sold out, which says a lot about an event that used to be free. The next Magnolia walk is on April 7 at 6:30pm.
Other Magnolia events happening:
Magnolia Curator Walks – Saturdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22
Magnolia Moving Meditation – Saturdays, February 15, 29, and March 14
Botanical Illustration – Thursday, February 27