"All Things Willow"





I really like Willow Trees hence the name of this Blog!! Many years ago we started with two small willow trees probably only one inch wide at the time. We created a new "Willow Area" as we called it..The Stars..the willow tree themselves. As years passed we planted many types of flowers beneath their sheltering branches. Zinnias in the beginning as there was still alot of sun..then on to impatience as it got more shady, and eventually we added a perennial ground cover. As years passed the willows became more and more "woody" and the flower beds around them became almost unworkable due to all the shallow roots. Right now this once "Magical" area is a absolute Mess..in need of alot of TLC. Where we once napped in a swing beneath its branches lies a pile of yard waste and rubble, the beds are torn apart, almost unrecognizable...Where the arbor once stood at the entrance is bare..The bushes all gone..the trees themselves in desperate need of a good pruning...so sad. This area of the garden used to be a focal point..a place to sit, chat, and relax. It was one of my favorite spots. I truly hate to see it like it is. Hopefully this year we can remedy that!! For one the area is totally overgrown..in all the wrong ways.. The branches have totally taken over a neighboring herb bed...the herbs left..mostly peppermint and echinacea..hardy plants indeed. Basically the entire garden is in need of restoration. If you have been following me since I started this blog earlier last month you will have heard all about that.. I plan to show you the makeover as it unfolds..There is a third willow tree my friend started as just a cutting. She put it in some water...low and behold a few weeks later it had grown roots. She planted it, and now it's huge...and leaning..and also in need of some work. A few years later we added a small "Corkscrew" willow..it to is now huge..Willows love our Willow Grove!! There are so many things you can do with willow branches.. we have made wreaths, garlands for our hair, baskets and so on.. The branches are easily bent..very pliable. We once made a basket like the one pictured...I believe its still floating around somewhere...have to break it out this year..I found some other things on the net you can do with willow branches, This hut is so cool, I'm not sure how you'd even begin to construct it..but I plan to find out!! A excellent hideout for the kids!!I really like this liitle willow trellis..the sweet peas are so pretty..and they are my birth flower..smile. This would also be useful as a support for the green beans this season.