Hamamelis mollis, Chinese Witch Hazel
The dormant depths of winter, when most plants rest in well-deserved quiet, are the invitation to awakening for the magical Witch Hazels, who brighten dim days with their adornments of colorful fairy wands, flounced with the tiniest of crepe paper streamers.
Their sweet, evocative fragrance fills the woodland glades where they thrive.
And the low sun is caught in their ribboned blossoms.
Ducking under and through their branches on a crisp January day encourages happy thoughts of spring’s arrival.
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Ruby Glow’
But surely it is too early for such blooming?
Hamamelis mollis ‘Gold Crest’
No, indeed. Although I’ve not visited this forest yet this year, these images were taken on this very day, exactly two years ago. I thought you might enjoy a burst of golden sunlight. ♥
• • • •
And a cheery welcome to new visitors and followers – I look forward to stopping by to see you very soon!
In the meantime, 2011 has already blossomed into a full and rich and busy buzz of activity. I have many things to share in the days to come.
Wishing you a sunny, joyful and magical week!
xo – g
Oh wow I have never heard of those before, what an amazing and beautiful work of nature! Love all of your photos as always but I especially find myself drawn to the first photo. I love the closeness that shows every single detail and I just find it very intriguing. I could stare at it for an hour LOL :)
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Dear Georgianna,
beautiful as always! Gives me a little spring feeling on this foggy day!
wauw hé wat een prachtige foto's heb je weer gemaakt.
fijne blogweek groet Stina
Beautiful photographs as always! The one of the branches is my favourite but they are all so lovely! I always feel so calm after looking at your photos!
ps, I am really enjoying your calender that my husband bought for me…. the roses are so beautiful and I am sorting out some frames for the prints to go in afterwards! x
oh, so beautiful, my dear friend…today its a bit foggy here and so this is a sunny delight for my eyes…so the morning can begin with your wonderful work, my green tea and lots of new ideas in my head…;)…take care and have a great creative week…a big hug…cheers…i…
I have been introduced today to a new flower–I don't think I've ever seen one of these. For such an unpleasant name, their beauty is stunning, especially photographed by you. Hope January is bringing you new surprises and delights each day.
Debi
Hi Georgianna! Hope you are doing well, your blog is looking as gorgeous as usual! Thanks for sharing these pics, I never knew what Witch hazel looked liked until now! And congrats on your beautiful piece in Somerset Life, what a great achievement!xx
Oh how lovely! We will not see them here in my part of NJ until early March. We are "enjoying" some snow/freezing rain at the moment, so the sight of these beautiful branches are greatly appreciated!
xoxo
How I wish such lovely flowers were in my own backyard, although I cannot say I've ever seen them before. Such a delight!
How wonderful these first signs of Spring are each year ! I am frantically searching for the growth of the buds in my garden too ! Thank you for the beautiful pictures, Georgianna !
Kind regards, Martina
These Winter Magicians are exquisite, bring warmth , joy and hope of the future to come. I love the way you captured there beauty and uniqueness.
Have a enchanting week Georgianna, as the days continue to blossom. xxx
So so beautiful as usual! I just love the softness of these
This gorgeous! I love this! blessings.
I've never seen these Georgianna, and they are absolutely gorgeous!!
The pink ones are just Heaven, and as always, your photography is just phenomenal!!
I have never heard of these lovely flowers before, and I don't remember seeing them in my visits to Seattle, but I will surely be looking for them next time, and you've captured them so beautifully in the light! Have a wonderful week.
All the best for 2011. At last I am here catching up on all the beautiful posts I missed while I was away from computing. I missed reading your blog and having my days brightened with your gorgeous photography. I look forward to lots more in 2011.
Hi G
Excellent shots of the with hazels, I like 'Ruby Glow' the best. This is one tree I've never grown but they sure put on a show in the spring.
Have a great week.
Judith
Looks like they are having their own private party! Very nice pictures as always, friend. I especially loved the one where you were "ducking under the branches." Love the warmth in that picture. Just makes me smile.
What a wonderful world we live in! Thanks for showing me something new.
Magical! I remember visiting a garden a few years ago full of witch hazels. If we ever get a sunny day again I must go again. Catherine xx
Hi G!!!
these images are so gorgeous!! I have some pictures of witch Hazel too,but never as gorgeous as your here.Your are the one that should be called the "winter magician", G! :)
hugs
lila
Magical Georgianna! I love Witch Hazels and especially Ruby glow. And these photos are so pretty and filled with gorgeous light, which makes me happy. :) Hope you're having wonderful winter weather. Can't wait until we get to see what you've been up to! Have a lovely week! xoxo
Oh, you do make me happy! I loved seeing these images. I did feel so cheerful and happy just looking at them.
How beautiful! I don't believe this plant grows here ~ at least I've never seen it. So, spring is just around the corner where you live. It is snowing here and cold and freezing rain by morning. I so enjoy looking at springy things in the dead of winter. Thanks for sharing. Blessings, Pamela
I have never seen these before – however they are truly lovely and I am enthralled. x
The pink ones with the torquoise sky are beautiful. Thank you for sharing a gorgeous set that brings smiles to faces.
Yes, the magic of Mother Nature. But I also know of someone magical that held this camera!
Brenda
These images are full of JOY! Thanks for sharing them!
Dearest sweet g, yes i did enjoy these gorgeous bust of sunlight photos! They are just beautiful and such joy to look at! Thanks so much for sharing sweet friend! Wishing you a lovely merry happy day and love to you!
Oh my goodness, those are delicate and beautiful. The yellow is so bright and cheery, especially in the 4th photo — magnificent! Love learning that they have a sweet scent too. :)
Such beautiful trees and wonderful and colorful interesting flowers! Amazing that they did bloom this very day 2 years ago. It is hard to believe when I look out through my window and see only snow, snow, snow :)
I am happy to hear that your year started out well and busy. Take good care Georgianna ♥
i'm mesmerized by the second photograph. really special, g!
xo Alison
I just found your blog through the new Somerset Life and am I SO glad I did.
Stunning photography!
Gorgeous photos!! I found your blog through Sandy a la Mode and now I'm a follower. Can't wait to see more of your posts!
Thank you for this beautiful dose of golden light! So lovely, and what unique blossoms! Hope you are doing well! Thanks for regularly visiting me on my blog! xo
Thank you sharing these lovely images with us Georgianna!
They are wonderful.
And your words make the picture=perfect!
smiles
It might be due to my southern latitude, but I'd never seen Witch Hazel blooms before today – WOW! They are exquisite. And I love how you've introduced them too :) I'm smiling from ear to ear. Thank you, xo J
Oh My, that's really gorgeous!!! I mean both your shots and this magical Spring blossoming in the midst of winter! I wonder what its fragrance is like?
Thank you so much for sharing, dearest G!
It would be so nice to see these visible clues of springs arrival here as I watch the occasional snow flakes falling. I have heard that snowdrops are blooming and I am watching for those! Your post speaks of hope for future nice weather and blooming to come!
I fell in love with your blog forever and ever! The pictures of yours, gorgeuos, full of light and emotion, will come to my dreams! Thank you!
Regards from Russia
Hello G!
I hope that you're more than fine! I've been so busy with my new semester, and had been away from the blogosphere for quite a while. Missed you much! It's lovely to see that you're still doing an amazing job at snapping the beautiful floras. :)
Do have a wonderful weekend, Georgianna. Much love! x
Hi Georgianna! Magical indeed!!
Thanks for your comments at Blogtrotter Two, where Egypt 2010 ended up in magnificent glory for Ramses II at Abu Simbel! Enjoy and have an exceptional weekend!
These pictures are so welcome in my world now. I have never felt so sick of winter as I do this year–usually I can enjoy the beauty but for some reason this year it is bothering me. I know it can't be a sign of getting old! NO NO!! Beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing. Linda
Hi Georgianna,
Hamamelis is one of my winter favorites. It is an amazing plant and the closer you get the more beautiful it is.
Gorgeous photographs as always!
Have a lovely Sunday!
Ingrid xx
Your photos are stunning!
I´m always so impressed when I see your beautiful photos!
Have a wonderful new week,
Hugs,
Yvonne
these are very beautiful! i wish we had them here…
i just found your blog today and am in love. i love the antique look of all your pictures.
your etsy is gorgeous and very inspirational!
The blossoms do look like ribbons!! They are beautiful, G.! I'm looking forward to hearing about the wonderful things you're up to. And many thanks again for your help. Have a great week! xo, Lynda
So glad I discovered your blog! I love flowers and photography. You make the most beautiful pictures.
Bye,
Marian
Well, three out of six Faldet's are soo sick with this weird headache achiness flu. Two of my darlings are tucked in on the couch between the crayola crayons and naps and I am about to snuggle into Lessing's The Golden Notebook to smooth my feathers. So sick, but just had to come on over for some of your light before tucking in again. Thanks for the joy you bring and I have my beach pictures right by my blanket and chair. hee hee maybe the mist on the beach will clear the foggy in my brain from this bug. Can't hurt. Well, blessings and good health to you friend. love, Amy
Dear Georgianna, Congratulations! You have been awarded the "Stylish Blogger Award". Here is a link to my post to see what it is all about:
http://ginaceramics.blogspot.com/2011/01/stylish-blogger-award.html
Love, Gina
HI Georgianna, the colours, the textures and the way you have composed the photos are incredible.. Your images are divine. CArla
very nice pictures, i like this blog!!
http://lmphotografic.blogspot.com/