Hamamelis.

So I wanted to see a witch hazel in flower...

They grow witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) in the botanical garden, downtown. We've had freezing, -15 C or so nights for the last week or three, and sunny, -5 C or so days. I thought I was plenty early when I went to have a look-see at the hamamelis a week or two ago.

Natch.

Pic: Here's the hamamelis.

You tell me: is that a flowering branch that's completely over the hill, or is it one that's in full flower but unfortunately severely frostbitten?
I'll have to check things in January, next year.

Pic: Here's the botanical garden.

That's deep snow. Were I to brave that nice soft-looking blanket I'd need hip-high boots. Or at least boots that go over my knees ... I know, cos I jumped into a similar blanket of snow right next to where I live. I took the carpets out, too, and jumped up and down on them, to give them a good cleaning.

That was 2 weeks ago, give or take a day. Today it's closer to 0 C, and we've had snowmelt. Nothing major yet, but they've promised +10 C over easter. That might mean major snowmelt. As in, no snow left after easter. As in, spring is coming. If so it's a teensy bit too early: spring is due in mid- to late April, not in March.

We'll see.