The Corkscrew Hazel: A Portrait in Detail

 

The Corkscrew Hazel Corylus avellana 'Contorta' with its Catkins. Also known as 'Harry Lauder's walking stick'  Planted 30 years ago to mark the birth of Katherine.

The very small, inconspicuous red flowers are primed to catch pollen drifting in the air. That would have to come from another Hazel tree; they don't self-pollinate. The Hazel nut will form from here. Once formed, they don't last for long. The local Squirrel grabs them.
In this close-up you can also see the fine hairs on the stems.

This bunch of partly opened catkins are the last to develop.

Here the Catkins which bear the pollen, sway in the breeze and spread the fine powdery pollen to the wind

I do have to keep a watchful eye, though. Nature is always keen to return to its own way, and every so often, the hazel tries to grow a straight, vigorous shoot. I make sure to snip those out to keep the tree’s signature, twisted character intact—it’s a small, recurring task, but one that’s part of the rhythm of looking after Katherine’s tree."

"While the Hazel is the structure, it isn't alone. In the height of summer, a Clematis winds its way through the twisted branches, eventually draping the canopy in a blanket of deep purple flowers. It’s a rewarding transformation—the tree provides the support, and the Clematis provides the seasonal display."