Why Purple Magnolias? A brief history.

Firstly, I'm here to tell your stories, to walk alongside you, and to keep my promise to be Inclusive, Kind, and Honest.  

 

 If you'd like a peak into how and why I chose to be Purple Magnolias, here's my snapshot story. 

(For information on sapling tree and to skip 'why indeed' scroll down)

 

Why Indeed?


 

Purple, with its array of shades and hues, to me, brings great joy and comfort. I love all colours, but purples have always been extra special, from true violet, maybe the connection with creativity and imagination, to the full-bodied richness of the burgundies, that ooze strength and determination. Possibly a connection with my love of the rock band Deep Purple and red wine!

 

I also hold a flare, for the delicacy of various flowers and nature in general, but in the world of flora, it’s the magnolias that truly resonate with me, they are significantly woven through my life. 

The First Encounter: A Leafless Wonder.

 

As a child, in my grandparent’s garden, I saw a tree, with loads of flowers but no leaves. Eyes wide as saucers, I was curious! All the other flowering plants had leaves. Granddad told me it was a Magnolia.

 

For years, I stayed in awe of magnolias but only ever saw them in other people’s gardens. Yearning for the day to have a magnolia, as they never ceased to amaze me, not just because of their leafless blooms but because the petals appear delicate and soft yet beneath them is a hidden strength.

 

Daring to be the first plants to bloom even before bees buzzed, relying instead on beetles for pollination. Persevering over millions of years, through changing climates and surviving the jaws of those munching beetles—a testament to resilience and longevity. 

 

 Magnolias represent Love, Strength, Happiness

 

Embodying Love—the kind that blooms even in adversity. 

 

Their Strength lies not only in their petals but also in the way they anchor their spread-eagled roots, near the surface of the ground, to gather nutrients and water.

 

Happiness? Arrr, the fragrances captured as they drift across our noses when walking past magnolias; which some  cleverly adapted, over time, to attract bees and butterflies today. 

 

What’s not to admire?

 

The various colours of magnolias have other meanings too, but the purple range are described as:

(Image source free stock public domain Bing 10/06/2024)

 “one of a kind” due to their visual uniqueness, and symbolise: mystery, spirituality, dignity, and determination. 

'Mag' first blooms of 2024

 

 

A Tiny Tree, My Magnolia Moment

 

 

2013, life led me here, and ‘just there’ in our new garden, stood a tiny flowering tree. No leaves, only blossoms. My heart leapt; my eyes became childlike saucers again! Dubbing this my magnolia moment, later naming the tree Mag.

 

Mag is now my sanctuary, a small tree, but amazingly the blooms come twice a year and is the place where I sit, to reflect on lost family and friends, fur babies, found and growing family, and future hope. 

 

 

Magnolias in Rituals and Ceremonies: Sharing your Moment/s

 

Magnolias’ longevity, determination, and adaptability, coupled with their elegant beauty led to them being used to honour cultural rituals, weddings, and funerals. Not only part of these special moments to remember but maybe they can evoke strength and resilience in us to create new memories. 

 

On my journey to becoming a celebrant, I thought it would be lovely for others to have their Magnolia Moments, wherever they may be. I considered another version of the name as Magnolia Memories, however this was not to be and I stuck with my favourite colour and flower inspiration!

 

‘Purple Magnolias, was named; and is about Your Moments To Remember

(Image source free stock public domain Bing 10/06/2024)

‘Purple Magnolias'

 

Offering you a ‘one of a kind’ ceremony, with a warm, personalised service, to cultivate memories that will last a lifetime. 

 

Taking the time to listen to your stories, ideas, and desires, with my passion for being creative, using a mix of mediums, writing, and poetry; to help you craft a service that is uniquely yours. Whether it's for a wedding, a life celebration (for people and pets), naming, or any other important milestone, ensuring Love, Strength, and Happiness,  are infused into your special occasion. 

 

I am committed to being environmentally conscious by using sustainable, recyclable, and eco-friendly products for your script and keepsakes. Also strive to keep my services within a 30-mile radius of Stafford, to reduce our carbon footprint, supporting local communities and businesses. 

 

As part of my commitment to the planet, I encourage planting for the planet and offering tree planting rituals for your ceremony. Incorporating tree planting rituals and covering the roots with soil, symbolises your commitment and new life stories. (Details in the packages on the ceremony pages)

 

With each of the ceremonies you choose I will gift a sapling tree, through the National Trust. With your permission, I will complete the details they require and forward you, your digital certificate. 

There will not be any additional charge for ordering the tree planting. However if you'd prefer a larger tree to be planted, we can chat about this, as there would be additional costs to meet National Trust prices.  

Requirements are: Name/s of person/s you wish to dedicate the tree to. Max 50 characters.

Who has made the donation. Here would be: Purple Magnolias. Example of the certificate: 

Alternatively, you may choose to plant a tree, directly through National Trust, for further details visit:

Baby Mag, June 2024

In my garden this year, added Baby Mag, a ‘Purple Black Tulip’, made a wildflower river and the back garden grows wild! The rabbits rule! So why not plant a tree or wildflowers, create a wild area in your garden, or in pots if you don’t have a garden?  

Also planted a sapling tree via National Trust.

Helping the planet!!

 

Take Care 

The Rabbits Rule.

No to Poppies here, please! 

We're allergic to them. 

Wild Flower River

 

Passionate about magnolias? Please see the ‘more on magnolias’ blog; including ways to incorporate them in your ceremony, and links to planting/care.

 

I would love to walk alongside you on your journey and if Purple Magnolias resonates with your values,

Let's Chat!

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