Magnolia Grandiflora

RHS on Magnolia Grandiflora
I've been keeping my eye on this magnificent tree along the lane. Waiting for the light to be in a good place. With this heat the huge blooms are only lasting a day. I couldn't choose which of these images : so collage the solution.
I had a pleasant conversation with a man who lives nearby : he told me a tale about how they are in conflict with the Council as the bin lorry insists on parking under the tree and branches get dragged off as the lorry moves on. Impossible, apparently, to persuade the bin men to park a few feet further on !!!.

I'm very glad and relieved to report that Chavo is starting to settle down, at last after the shaving episode. He's slept on my bed all day rather than fleeing from me who'd inflicted such a pain on him. I won't do it again.

The extra : 5 flowers open now on my Orchid, several more to go !.