I unashamedly and absolutely love my Hamamelis/ Witch Hazel! It has grown from a ‘special’ birthday present twiglet around 20 years ago into a wonderful branching tree. To say it brightens the otherwise routinely drab February days, every year, would be an understatement! It’s unmistakable scent and the first sign of it’s unfurling fronds cheer the heart. At a time when everything else is still buried deep in the midst of the winter chill, it is as welcome as a hot water bottle surprise between cold sheets!
I hadn’t braved drawing it before now – but decided to prune a few of the lower branches to bring inside for closer inspection. Unfortunately, whilst they looked wonderful in my pewter teapot upon my slate hearth, Rosie’s appreciation was more physical… A few twigs survived, and I drew the first drawing since my Dad died. Not a masterpiece, but a significant head-above-the-water moment before taking a deep breath and diving under cover again:
I’d used water colour paints (just yellow and white) and a 2B pencil. I remember enjoying the experience. There are a few little parts of the picture I quite like:
I had another spark of inspiration yesterday, and decided to use a mix of media (unplanned) for my next attempt at capturing the bizarre clusters of Hamamelis’ frilly frondiness. Soft pastel, watercolour pencil, coloured pencil and a 3H pencil were thrown into this one.
If I were feeling brave, I’d buy some tubs of emulsion and create something on a grand scale with gay abandon! Something to aim for another year.
Hazel in name…
Apparently the ‘witch’ part of ‘Witch Hazel’ is derived from the the Middle English word ‘wych’ or ‘wyche’ which refers to the bendiness of the branches. (Though I can attest to them not being nearly as flexible as willow!) “Hazel” refers to its similarity to the common hazelnut. I can confirm that in the autumn, my witch hazel does have little ‘nuts’. These are indeed reminiscent to the familiar form of a hazelnut.
The RHS describe the flowers as ‘spidery’ – which appeals – though my spider project has taken a back seat of late. The garden variety is derived from plants which are native to the east of China, though it’s not related to our (the UK’s) hazel – Corylus avellana. I also planted a Corylus avellana ‘contorta’ (Corkscrew Hazel) in the garden many years ago. Its catkins are holding on tight – letting the Witch Hazel have its moment!
Hamamelis gives again in the autumn when its leaves turn into mini rainbows of colour. I’ve recommended it to several friends as it has to come amongst the top tier of my garden favourites!
I’ve always known about Witch Hazel being used in traditional medicine, but recently found out that the bare branches can be used for water divining… I’ll have to give it a go with the twigs Rosie rejected. I have been known to be partial to a spot of dowsing!
