Return to Home, Writing and Cold!

Such a warm picture!  So different from the view out my window right now...

I should probably explain were I have been!  We went to Kauai, Hawaii for a week of vacation--just got back last Wednesday--and it was amazing.  I have never been to a tropical climate before and it's hard to imagine that such a beautiful, warm island actually exists.  Especially as we are now back on our very cold, somewhat snowy island in the Puget Sound.

Both islands are very lush and green but that is about where the similarities end.  I am so grateful for the warmth we felt last week.  It was such a nice respite.  Winter is definitely still here on Bainbridge and it looks like it is going to stay for a while.  My hope of an early Spring is fading with each weather report.

I will have more to share on the subject of tropical plants in my next post.  Stay tuned!

Snow in Seattle

I do love snow and snowstorms, but I am truly thankful for our mild, somewhat gray climate right now.  Seeing the satellite images of the massive storm which blew through 30 states last week, was somewhat shocking!

We have no snow to speak of in Seattle at the moment.  Just some rain.  Lots of clouds.  Occasional glimpses of the sun and temperatures in our usual 40's.  But we do have snowdrops!

Snowdrop bulbs take just a few minutes to pop into the ground in October and are well worth the effort. When they are massed, which happens naturally after many years, they do look like a snowdrift.  But even in little clusters, they are a cheery addition to the winter garden.

Winter Light

Hamamelis intermedia 'Luna'

With gray being the dominant color this time of the year, I look for light anywhere I can find it.  My brain is completely depleted of the feel-good chemicals that come from a sunny day.  I know the days are getting longer, but I am in the throes of Seasonal Affective Disorder (I love that this "disorder" is termed SAD!)  So, to combat my "illness", I head out to the garden.  I'm positive that if I spend enough time outside, I'll pick up at least a few rays of ambient light.

Hamamelis intermedia 'Diane'

Witch Hazels are my favorite garden plant this time of the year.  Their bright, spidery blooms light up the winter garden.  A little bit of sunshine on a cloudy day.

Hamamelis intermedia 'Jelena'

Witch Hazels were once primarily yellow, but new cultivars in shades of red, orange and copper have been introduced over the past few years.  All gorgeous.  AND, all softly fragrant.  And most varieties offer nice Fall foliage as well.

Hamamelis intermedia 'Firecracker'

I've never been able to put my finger on it, but these plants add some sort of intangible quality to the garden.  The winter blooms, the fragrance, the fall color...all of these traits make for an exceptional addition to the garden.  But they offer more.

Maybe it's the fact that witch hazels have been used medicinally for hundreds of years.  And that it was the women--the midwives, healers and "witches"--who knew the secrets of herbal medicine.  Maybe I feel some connection to this ancient garden lore?  Whatever it is, witch hazels bring that elusive quality that helps to make a garden.