February 27, 2019

The Blooming Witch Hazel at My Farm

We still have another three weeks of winter, but the gardens at my Bedford, New York farm are already beginning to show signs of spring.

This time of year is when all the witch hazel shrubs are blooming. With their fragrant, butter yellow to orange and scarlet red flowers, witch hazels add a lovely spark of life to otherwise gray winter landscapes. Although witch hazel has many common names, its generic name means “together with fruit” - it is the only tree in North America to have flowers, ripe fruit and next year’s leaf buds on its branches at the same time. Their diversity, beauty, and all-season appeal make them one of the most well-loved garden shrubs.

Here are some photos - enjoy.