Blooming Friday

catkins --- flowers of common hazel in our garden

One of the early signs that spring is coming is these catkins (also called aments) of our common hazel shrubs. They are called “catkins” because they are supposed to resemble a cat’s tail. Well, they surely do, especially when they sway to a gentle breeze, like a cat showing “excitement” with the twitching of its tail. Or a cat showing “agitation” with the wagging or swishing of the tail when a gusty wind blows the aments into a flurry.


Personally, I find these flowers quite interesting, both in form and appearance. They’re like the fine streamers you use during festive occasions, draped haphazardly on trees, shrubs or balconies, creating a cheery playful atmosphere. Since they appear after the coldest days of winter and right before spring, it makes me wonder if they are there to extend the spirit of the Christmas season or herald the coming of spring.


The only hitch is that it also marks the onset of my pollen allergy. And this is one of the plants that I’m very sensitive to --- I sneeze a lot with an itchy runny nose (and the latter sensation can also extend to the eyes). Oh well, one cannot have everything. And since we don’t want to cut them, I just try not to get too close to them, and take a good shower after being outside (or before sleeping) to get rid of the pollen that may have stuck to my hair and skin.


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