Harbinger of spring

Well, no kidding.  I'm not sure we even are having winter this year.  The witch hazel knows something, however, unfurling her flowers on days that the winter landscape considers "warm."  They curl up otherwise.  This is Hamamelis 'Jelena' and it's not fragrant like the species.  The payoff is the larger, more colorful flowers.  It's planted under Austrian Pines, gets part sun only, and is doing just fine with minimal water.  This is a great shrub/small tree for our mid-western landscapes, requiring almost no care, although she does appreciate a late - winter visit so her flowers can be admired.  Oh, and the rest of the year she's  a beauty too - interesting leaves and excellent fall color, similar to the flowers you see here.