Willows

  

I was recently gifted a large bundle of gorgeous pussy willows.  When I received them they were so long they almost reached our 8 ft ceilings. While I left them essentially untouched for a few weeks, I decided to cut them a bit shorter, and placed them upon our mantle.  Yesterday, as I was changing the water, and telling my self that I couldn't believe these things were still holding strong, I noticed roots.  Roots!  These things are sprouting, and I had no idea. I quickly headed for the bookshelf and pulled out our Sunset Western Garden and Pat Welsh's Southern California Organic Gardening books (both great resources, but the latter a true gem), and read all about the transfer to the outdoor garden.  Since these were already commercially purchased, I am almost guaranteed to have the males - who, apparently, are deemed better for cuttings.  I am holding off on the official transfer outside for a week or so to ensure they are nice and strong.  But, soon I am going to plant these branches in the garden and cross all of our fingers and toes that they actually grow.