"Some

of the trees were 30-35 feet tall," said Steele. "The large

trees will remain here on the property and continue to grow. They add

to the appeal of our wooded home sites and are really beautiful. We're

delighted to be helping save and cultivate these magnificent trees."

Big leaf magnolias

(magnolia macrophylla), with leaves over three feet long giving them a

tropical appearance, are native to the woods of Ohio and Kentucky, yet

are not common anywhere. Most populations are very small and isolated,

making their discovery rare.

"I've

been a horticulturist for 30 years and have never seen big leaf magnolias

in the wild before," said Cree. "This is the only place in Fayette

County where the big leaf is known to exist.

"We're

thrilled to have the opportunity to raise some of these elusive trees

and introduce them to Fayette County," he added.

The trees also

produce the largest flowers of the genus.

Originally

introduced into European gardens in 1800, big leaf magnolias are seldom

cultivated there or here today. Their leaves must be protected from wind

and direct sunlight, and they require a rich, moist soil, making them

too temperamental for the average gardener.

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