With spring taking its time to get here this year, I was overjoyed to see the witch-hazels blooming at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens this week! Even though you can't see the ground, these trees know spring is coming. As some of you know, I just started a new job at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and so I will have access to many great photo opportunities in the future! As Interpretation and Exhibits Coordinator I have already learned so much and look forward to working on art exhibits, wayfinding and other interpretation. I feel honored to be part of such a great team!
Here is the Hamamelis × intermedia 'Pallida' witch-hazel in bloom on the path to the Visitor's Center. This small tree was used by the Native Americans (usually Hamamelis virginiana) and early settlers to make an astringent. Used on sores and wounds, it is still commercially available today. I can remember that distinctive smell of the witchhazel we had in the bathroom medicine cabinet as a kid, and using it on my adolescent skin. It is an anti-oxident as well and has been used to help psoriasis and eczema.
At the Gardens, it is only three and a half weeks until the Visitor's Center is open and we are very busy getting everything ready. Hope to see you all after April 15th as we have an amazing line up of art shows, workshops and lectures, shop goodies and great food.
Your new working environment sounds like the ideal place for a gardener to spend their days. :-)
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