Spring Is Here

Corylus avellana 'Contorta

Filberts are grown for their nut production, but this species generally does not produce any.

One of our favorite deciduous trees, the contorted filbert, curiously named Harry’s Walking Stick, can be either a shrub or grafted as a tree.

Conspicuously planted at the edge of the garage and in full view from our kitchen window, the yellow-lime catkins dangle from the twisted branching pattern. The beauty is in the distorted nature of the species throughout each season. Not only are the branches unusual, but the leaves in summer are curled and wrinkled, and throughout the winter months the twisted stems offer much delight only to be followed by the current spring blossoms.

One other thing, the dried cuttings look great in an indoor arrangement as well as in the landscaping.



Crocus

…a member of the Iris family, native to central and southern Europe and Asia, is one of the first signs of spring in our garden. Purple and in full bloom, the yellow stamen attracts a visitor. (click on the photo)