Flowers to be proud of

The Camellia is flowering properly for the first time. Last. 2 years since planting it’s only had maybe a dozen flowers each year. Photographed it before the expected storm hits at the weekend. 

That's stunning. I can't even contemplate one, even though I'm often tempted, alkaline soil and frost pocket spell disaster for camelias.  My friend has a large mature Magnolia Soulangeana that flowered magnificently this year only to turn into what she calls a 'teabag tree' after a recent frost.  It happens like that most years. She's no gardener and takes it in her stride, if it was mine I'd be devastated.