Winter Comforts - Fragrant Orange Witch Hazel and A Ripple of Violet Sunset

  It was 27 degrees in Langley yesterday morning, but my orange witch hazel (Hamamelis x intermedia 'Jelena') had burst into full and glorious bloom during the week I'd been away. It was so cold the buds were contracted and the blossoms scentless, but cut, plunged into warm water and brought into the house, they soon enough plumped up and exuded their clean, sweetly astringent fragrance that's so precious on a deep winter day.

Then last night, the sunset glowed amazingly hot pink and purple, with a raft of clouds lit from below in light that changed from peachy-pink through searing magenta to violet and blue-black....what comfort the beauty of flowers and sky can be in mid-January.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Chris]

We must be on the same wavelength...I too cut an arrangement yesterday of witch hazel, but because it was for someone else, I interspersed the branches with fern fronds and cedar, just to fill it out but I like it all by itself, like yours!! I have never seen the orange variety before...too bad it doesn't bloom around Halloween for you! :}
Yes, wasn't that sky stunning last night?? Your photo is beautiful!!

[Christina Wilsdon]

I stood in awe of that sunset, too, while running errands in Ballard and fortunately had my camera handy to preserve it. Wow! I wish I could say the same for my witch hazel. It has obstinately refused to bloom for years.

[Lauren Hall-Behrens]

We, too, have had beautiful sunrises and sets! From one room upstairs we can see Mt. Hood with the pinks and orange skies around...simply gorgeous!