Bright red against the blue sky!
They are not like the flowers on apple or pear trees, in fact, the petals remind me more of sea anemones.
I must admit, this is the first time I have seen the flowers of my hazelnuts. Last year I saw the photographs of these intriguing flowers on one of my favourite blogs, New Hampshire Garden Solutions. He sees everything! I was determined I was not going to miss seeing mine this year.
I think you will forgive me for missing them when you see the size comparison with the male catkins.
Once you have seen one they become obvious to spot but given that they are in flower now when it is cold and damp in the garden, I think that these unusual flowers will pass unadmired in many a garden.
Seeing my hazelnut flowers for the first time lifted my spirits during a cool, dull, damp week while I nursed my cold.
a french garden 