Corylopsis pauciflora

Buttercup winterhazel (Corylopsis pauciflora) is a graceful, deciduous shrub with slender, arching branches that bear short racemes of soft, primrose-yellow, bell-shaped flowers in early spring (MarchApril), often lightly scented and opening before the leaves. Young foliage emerges bronze and matures to mid-green, giving a delicate, layered look through the season. In Ireland, grow in a sheltered spot in sun or light shade, in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil that is preferably acidic; avoid chalky conditions and protect the early blossom from cold winds and late frosts. An excellent choice for woodland-style planting and spring borders where its early flowers provide welcome colour.

To help give a clear sense of scale, the stone wall shown in our photos measures approximately 265cm in height. We also use familiar garden tools as visual references: a digging fork (110cm tall) and a hand fork (30cm ta