Witch Hazel Time

My Witch Hazel is well into its flowering so it was time for my annual visit to the Botanics, to see the different varieties there.

I used to be familiar with them and could go directly to each specimen but they have been moved and, since the closure of part of the garden during the refurbishment of the glasshouses, it is difficult to find their new home. 

I suspect those in the photographs are relatively young and not all varieties were represented - my favourite in particular. Clockwise from top left is Hamamelis 'pallida', H.mollis and H x intermedia 'Jelena'. Other varieties in the bed were already over or not yet in bloom.

We walked around the garden, finding our first sighting of snowdrops, which are scattered throughout, a splendid specimen of peeling bark (yet to be identified) against the sunshine, more mature specimens of witch hazel and Helleborus Argutifolius.

Also, in the extra, the view through a new planting - an avenue of five pairs of Prunus x yedoensis, looking towards the Chinese pavilion and  Inverleith House. I look forward to seeing their blossom later in the year.