When we were in the garden, we came upon the pictured witch-hazel. Its blossoms were both colorful and fresh. We have only had a brief thaw this week, but that was enough for these flowers to bloom. Their color is especially vibrant as seen here. The plant is used medicinally as an astringent. Various brands are marketed and sold for skin care typically in acne treatment. Witch-hazel gets its name for its use in dowsing. A historical practice of using forked witch-hazel branches as “dowsing rods” or “witching sticks” to find underground water.