This time in November, the only flowers that are typically still in bloom sit on the branches of the witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana).
Unlike most understory trees, witch hazel blooms in the late fall with delicate, little buttery yellow bundles of soft, slightly sweet smelling flowers. At the end of the season, all the leaves from the tree have dropped but the flowers remain. This tree is abundant in Connecticut, which is probably why the largest manufacturer of witch hazel, Dickenson’s, is located nearby. The tree has many medicinal uses such as healing sore muscles, an astringent clotting agent and a tea to cure colds and other ailments. Some even believe that by carrying a twig of witch hazel, it will mend a broken heart.
But this year it is far from the only flower in the garden. A few shrub roses are sporting flowers as well as a few renegade dandelions. It is the zinnias, however, that are putting on the Ritz with a spectacular show even though I am not watering them (and it hasn’t rained significantly for almost two months).
The zinnias arrived late this year and with each successive pruning, every plant sprouts multiple heads like a horticultural hydra. And the diversity of blooms in shape and color is amazing. It is a very strange season.
