Mum

My mum always seemed to have pussy willow in a vase somewhere in the house. I suppose it's just a mark of how poor my attention was, because it couldn't have been there all year, yet memories suggest it always was.

I love the way that the new leaves are almost like a mini plant attached to the side. However, this signals another season of feeling guilty about the size of the willow den. It will soon look like Shock-headed Peter, and as no child can reach up to prune the high bits, I guess that will be added to my remit!

Still, give them the cuttings and they disappear to build willow houses, shops and tunnels. That reminds me, must warn them not to use them as rapiers! Again.