Witch hazel

Today's the day ………………………. to wrap up warmly

These are the tiny buds of the witch hazel shrub that are already warmly wrapped up in their woolly winter coats.  They'll be ready to burst forth in all their glory in the middle of January - to give us some early cheer and to make us hope that spring won't be too long in the coming.

It's a bit of a mystery why they are called 'Witch Hazel' because as far as I know, it's not a 'hazel'.  The 'hazels' belong to the genus Corylus  but this is one of the Hamamelis.  Even the 'Witch' bit is not about the 'woman in black on the broomstick' but has its origins in the old English word 'wice', meaning "pliant" or "bendable".

Who cares though?  It's a fascinating shrub to have in the garden at all stages and it's always welcome here …………………...