Spring seems to have been a long time coming this year, but it’s definitely arrived, and one of the early spring sights that always lifts my spirits is the flowering of magnolia trees on the side streets and in Battersea Park.

There are dozens of varieties, some frilly, others star-shaped, many slowly open into a pleasing goblet shape. And while the paint colour magnolia – a creamy off-white – is often derided, not all magnolia flowers are this shade. I particularly love the deep pink to purple tones of some varieties.

I’m also in awe of this species’ longevity. The existence of magnolia trees predates the evolution of bees. I often ponder this as I gaze up into a canopy of beautiful flowers. One word of warning though: their dropped petals can be slippery, especially after rain.