Wednesday 23 February 2011

Wordless Wednesday – Forcing Willow












16 comments:

Donna said...

lovely pictures of a sign of spring...you catured the willow beautifully!!

easygardener said...

I have always had a soft spot for catkins of any shape. There is something special about them.

Victoria said...

wow...magical photos...you have captured my heart!! Gorgeousness!!
Kiki

Curbstone Valley Farm said...

Lovely photos Liz. I saw some willow emerging at a local garden center the other day. They really do convey that spring is almost here!

ShySongbird said...

Beautifully portrayed Liz!

Janet/Plantaliscious said...

Beautiful photographs Liz. I love the detail, the tiny bright sparks of the pollen. Wonderful.

Cheryl said...

Hi Liz, you have captured the willow perfectly. I do love those soft catkins....they are one of the prettiest things, don't you think?
Saw my first bumble today, just so pleased.

Rose said...

Lovely images, Liz! My pussywillows haven't begun to form buds yet, but you have inspired me to trying forcing some indoors soon.

Liz said...

Hi Donna,

Thank you very much, I've recently disovered they actually have a perfume too! The vases are in the kitchen and every time I walk in, I'm hit by their scent.

Liz said...

Hi EG,

Catkins are lovely, I'd really love some Hazel in the garden because they're so pretty.
I have some Garrya (silk-tassel bush) which currently has very impressive catkins on it too, it isn't yet large enough for me to bring any branches in to add to the arrangements!

Liz said...

Hi Kiki,

Thank you very much, I'm glad you enjoyed the photos :)
They are also coming out in the garden too, so it looks like I didn't force them very much!

Liz said...

Hi CV,

They are very pretty, and I believe the birds like to eat them too... Last year I sat watching some Sparrows seemingly drink or perhaps eating some. They seemed to be taking the pollen though?? Must watch out for it this year too!

Liz said...

Hi Jan,

Thank you very much! I hope Spring has arrived in your garden and your old apple blossom is getting ready to flower :)

Liz said...

Hi Janet,

I had quite a lot of difficulty getting the shots because it's been so dull recently - should've waited until yesterday or today for the sunshine!

Liz said...

Hi Cheryl,

I was surprised to see that the Catkins are pinky-red at first - I'm sure I don't remember that from last year... Anyway, they're so pretty, and I have three vases in the kitchen at the moment (Pete asked why we had a forest when he first saw them! heehee), truth is that I coppiced three trees so had a lot of branches, and still have a pile out on the decking to get rid of.

So glad to hear you saw your first bumble!
They must have had a good day yesterday because I also saw a Bumble queen (who was exploring my wall for a nest site), I also saw a Honey Bee and had a Wasp in the bathroom last night.

Liz said...

Hi Rose,

I hope your willows begin to bloom soon, it's been a very strange winter this year with extremes in weather and temperature and yet spring has arrived much earlier than last year.