First Flower!

Last year, our witch hazel bush was in full bloom on January 14. We've had an exceptionally mild winter this year, likely due to global warming. I expect that this tiny January 1 blossom will be joined by many others well before January 14.

According to Wikipedia, "The name witch in witch hazel has its origin in Middle English wiche, from the Old English wice, meaning "pliant" or "bendable", and is not related to the word witch meaning a practitioner of magic."

The extra photo shows new leaves on a plant with a very different color scheme.

(Thanks again for your kind comments on my December 22 blip. I'm very grateful for them.)

Blip 2265