I love witch hazels at this time of year. Their flowers that remind me of slivers of crepe paper.

I'm not so keen on the plain green leaves that follow them. I decided to plant a climber near the base to grow through the witch hazel foliage and flower over the top.

Unfortunately, I chose a species I was unfamiliar with: Jasminum beesianum, assuming that it would grow in a similar, controlled way, like the other Jasmines I knew.

Over a few years, I have a plant that has virtually taken over a corner of the garden. It grows up and through the witch hazel, but also through the adjacent holly and hedges. On the ground, the stems spread themselves by rooting everywhere which allows them to creep well beyond my intended spot.

And the flowers? Well, to my mind the flowers look like those of a small rosebay willowherb. As my physical health has improved with a new hip, I'm hoping to pull it out and start again, although I realise it will be an ongoing project for a while.

Next time, I'll probably choose a clematis, but a slow growing one, with medium sized flowers. I'll post photos of that, if and when It works!!

#witchhazel #hammamelis #mistakesarelessons