Early blooms puzzle Kew

WITH major issues around climate change very much on the agenda at the Earth Summit in Johannesburg, staff at Kew's country garden at Wakehurst Place, Ardingly have noticed a strange phenomenon.

Witch hazel plants (hamamelis) are starting to flower four months early suggesting, against other evidence, that winter has arrived early. But the same is not happening at Kew, the famous west London gardens.

'Garden staff noticed the start of flowers at the end of August', explained gardens manager Chris Clennett. 'We usually expect these plants to give us a spectacular display through the mid-winter months of January and February.

'Although this species sometimes produce the odd flower out of season, this year is exceptional', added Chris. 'One bush in particular is now in full bloom.'

Staff at the 300-acre estate are now wondering if there will be any flowers left for the winter months when they usually help to produce a pretty display through the Winter Gardens.

Witch hazels are grown for their large clusters of yellow or orange spidery flowers, which appear on the branches when the shrubs are bare in winter. They bring both scent and colour to the garden in the cold dark winter months.