Winter has returned for one last curtain call. Cold temps rain and snow predicted in the week to come. Just when the magnolias began to bloom and the tiny crocus were sprouting. Oh well, I'm used to midwest weather and have even grown to appreciate it over the years. Knowing spring will click her hills and settle in soon ponders thoughts of my favorite A word. That song always makes me happy!
My living room shows subtle signs of springs arrival. Lennis cut some pussy willow branches from our very tall tree. The blooms don't last very long before the furry little pockets sprout. Soon after they open so you must pick early before they open and become dandelion like. Once you cut them simply place in a container of choice. When I was a little girl my mother grew a pussy willow in our back yard. I remember not being able to resist running my fingers down those soft furry blooms.
If you would like to have more pussy willows or start your own it's quite simple. Place cut branch into a jar of water and allow to root. Once you see good roots you're ready to plant. Must dig a very deep hole. That's the trick of having a pussy willow that lives. My mother taught me that. I would say depending on the size of your branch, 3 to 4 feet hole. If you have a post hole digger that's the easiest way to dig the deep hole. Dig the hole almost the entire length of the branch. Just a couple inches of the branch will remain.
Enjoy caring and sharing spring days.
Happily,
Jill 00
