The simplest of vases on Monday

As we hurtle towards a period of excess, razzmatazz and a world of green, red and sparkly things (many garish and over the top), my vase this week offers the simplest of stems, and the promise of even better things to come.  Hazel catkins.

To fancy thing up a little bit, sitting alongside my vase are a few leaves and the shaggy acorn cups of Turkey oak, Quercus cerris, which was introduced to this country in the 1700s from south-east Europe and Asia Minor.  I love the rich chestnut brown on the inside of the cup.