We have a (now dead) Magnolia tree in our living room. I bought it in a great florist, close to Amsterdam Centraal Train Station - about 2 kms away from our home. It’s quite a big florist so the tree didn’t look so big in comparison to the other large houseplants and trees they stock.

Before I describe how we have used the tree I’d like to offer some words of caution. If like me, your main mode of transport is bicycle don’t go buying the largest Magnolia tree that you can find when you have to carry it home! 2 kms will feel like 10 especially when you have to negotiate about 15 small bridges.

Anyway, with a bit of imagination these trees can be exceptionally versitile and lend themselves to lots of different decorational styles. It is a largish Magnolia tree and it cost 32 euros. We have added a small white birds’ house that we picked up in Xenos for 6 euros. When our friends from England came to visit last week they brought us some beautiful roses. Paulina had the idea of adding them to the same pot as the Magnolia.

Photos Paulina Arcklin