Remembering the Legend of the Dogwood

 There is a legend, that at the time 

of the Crucifixion the dogwood 

had been the size of the oak

 and other forest trees.

 It was chosen as the timber for the cross

 as it was strong  and tall.

To be used for such a cruel purpose

 greatly distressed the tree, 

and Jesus, nailed upon it, sensed this, 

and in His gentle pity for all sorrow and suffering said to it: 

"Because of your regret and pity 

for My suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree 

grow large enough to be used as a cross. 

Henceforth it shall be slender

 and bent and twisted and its blossoms 

shall be in the form of a cross. 

...two long petals and two short petals.  

And in the center of the outer edge of 

each petal there will be nail prints, brown with rust 

and stained with red,

 and in the center of the flower 

will be a crown of thorns. 

All those who see it will remember." 

                                    

                                                                                       - author unknown

Even though this is just a legend, 

I appreciate the reminder 

of my Savior's sacrifice for me 

when I see these blooms.

Somehow every year by Easter, 

our Dogwood tree has been in full bloom. 

The purple Wisteria on the dock  is in full bloom

 at the same time as the Dogwood trees.

In my lifetime, I have never missed

 an Easter  church service...

but this year is certainly different. 

In honor of all the health care workers, 

especially those that have passed

 though our Magnolia Hill gates...we are staying home. 

 Healthcare workers are literally risking it all to save us.

They say,  "We also have family but we can't stay home...

Be responsible and STAY HOME because I can't"

Especially pretty in spring, but also in the fall,  

 as swirling scarlet and purple leaves 

add to the fall landscape's  autumnal palette.

Colored red berries on both the white and pink dogwoods 

attract songbirds through early winter. 

The pink dogwood is an American classic. 

This pink Dogwood was given as a gift in

  honor of my mother as she lost her battle with Breast Cancer. 

These legendary trees have long been part of our native landscape 

and provide an aura of magnificence in a 

100% North American native cultivar that ranges

coast to coast.... from Maine to Florida 

and from the Atlantic seaboard to the Pacific Ocean .

America's founding fathers were big dogwood fans too.

 George Washington planted them at

 Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson planted them at Monticello.

And we too,  love the Dogwood trees at Magnolia Hill.  

It has been an amazing week hasn't it? 

Buddy and I hope you have a blessed Easter

 and see God in the flowers and trees 

or where ever you celebrate. 

As Max Lucado says, "With God's help we 

will get through this!"

Pssst: Did you know Magnolia Hill  is on Instagram? 
You’ll find me on Instagram here:  Alda's Magnolia Hill 

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