A surprise package arrived in the mail the other day, containing 3 Corylus – hazel –  varieties that I ordered in 2010.  For whatever reason, they didn’t ship in 2011.

The only hazel commonly available in nurseries in this part of the world is an ornamental called “Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick.”  Harry Lauder, I’ve learned, was a famous Scottish entertainer, who took the stage in traditional Scottish dress, including a twisted walking stick.  According to some nurseryfolk I’ve spoken with, hazels are not inclined to be especially productive in this part of California, being particular about who they’ll pollinate with.  In any case, I’ve potted up cuttings of C. cornuta v. californica, and two others called “Winkler” and “Rush.”  With any luck, if all goes well I’ll have hazel nuts before I retire.