Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Fall Dance: Witch Hazel & Japanese Dogwood

I love our american native dogwood, Cornus florida, but it seldom blooms this far north. So many years ago I bought a Cornus kousa, a very similar more hardy Japanese dogwood. I imagined it blooming beautifully in the spring, the centerpiece of our little wild area in front of the stone wall. And in the fall, it would have lovely red foliage. Here are the red leaves. I'm linking to Rednesday: check out other red things at Rednesday at It's a Very Cherry World.
 
Years passed and nothing much happened. I forgot my vision. Then a few springs ago, I discovered the dogwood blooming. But dh had planted it in back of a native witch hazel accidentally and it was almost invisible in the treeline, hidden by the not very showy Hamemalis. I was very disappointed and we talked about cutting down the witch hazel.
 
See the witch hazel's little stringy yellow flowers? Its blooming now when almost all the leaves are gone, including its own. But the dogwood's red leaves are still there making a terrific backdrop.
 
I think I'll plant another dogwood somewhere else where it is more visible and leave this one to be a pleasant surprise in spring on our path by the stone wall and fall companion to the witch hazel.
 
Here is the view from my pantry window. Don't they look like they are dancing together?
 
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17 comments:

  1. Such a pretty picture. And yes, of course they're dancing!

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  2. Beautiful fall leaves:)) We are just starting to see a few leaves changing in Southern California...always on the late show compared to other states:))

    Happy Renesday Day!

    Kay Ellen

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  3. Thank you for this lovely foliage sight. We have beautiful dogwoods in the spring. Our are mostly w hie and pink. Thanks so much for stopping by my place.

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  4. Fall such a gorgeous time, yet it goes so fast. The pictures of your trees from your window are so gorgeous...just beautiful. How could you ever get anything done when you can spend your day watching such a beautiful dance?

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  5. Gorgeous...I know I'm lucky living in Cali, but I do sometimes crave living back east if not just for the change of dance.

    tootles,
    bunny

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  6. Hi Kathy!

    The two trees together are so pretty! What a beautiful view to be able to see from your home. I never even knew witch hazel was a tree. You learn something knew everday you visit BlogWorld don't you! Have a great day!

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  7. I came to your blog by way of another quilt. Your photos are beautiful. I also love the opening statement to your blog... 10 minutes each day... what a beautiful concept to keep the blahs at bay. I look forward to getting to know you. Hugs. tammy

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  8. What a beautiful view from your window! It looks like you live on the edge of some woods. How lucky! I would love to plant some trees like this, but we've got a bunch of towering pine trees and maples, so unfortunately there isn't any room for these beauties!
    Happy REDnesday!
    Carol

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  9. Beautiful fall leaves! I love the colors this season.

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  10. I have never harvested our witch hazel. I really should look into it, since we actually use quite a bit!
    Kathy

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  11. That Which Hazel is beautiful !!! Don't cut it down.
    and HAPPY HALLOWEEN to You !!!!!
    ps. my Mossbear joined Halloween Party :)

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  12. Hi Kathy! Welcome to Rednesdays and welcome to my blog! Primroses? We're gonna get along just fine!

    Beautiful trees together - where do you live?

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  13. What a view! Fall is my favorite season and in my opinion, does not last nearly long enough! Dangit!

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Gracias para dejar un commentario. Me gusta mucho!
Kathy