A Small and Secret Flower

Here is a secret, unknown to most.  A tiny flower, almost unseen.  I’ve never noticed it.  As usual in nature, the male is the show-off.  Appearing in spring, waving in the breeze, cascading from all the branches like a fountain.  The male catkins are conspicuous, like liquid drops as they shimmer to life  in the wind, as seen in the Garrya video below.  But this … Continue reading A Small and Secret Flower

Halloween Tree

Which is the spookiest plant in the neighborhood?  The Contorted Filbert, of course!  Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’  is a twisty and fascinating plant.  It’s also referred to as Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick.  A quick Google search for Harry Lauder reveals that he was a famous international Scottish entertainer  and often performed with a twisted walking stick.  A few branches from this amazing tree will provide a great Halloween … Continue reading Halloween Tree