Come see the pussy willows in and around my home!
It always makes me so happy when my pussy willows are ready for picking because, as true harbingers of spring, they’re a terrific reminder that winter will soon be over. Pussy willow branches, with their fuzzy little buds called catkins, can easily make the most cheerful indoor arrangements. Jodi was diligently keeping a watchful eye on my pussy willow shrubs, waiting for the catkins to be open just so.
Jodi decides ahead of time how long she wants the branches to be and finds a bamboo stake to use as a guide. All the trimming is done outdoors, making it that much easier to form the arrangement.
Groundskeeper, Jose, is clipping branches from another species called, matsudana, or corkscrew willow.
Here are lovely pussy willow arrangements that Jodi made in two matching antique wicker planters – simple, but so elegant for my formal dining room!
These arrangements of corkscrew willow are in alabaster urns and grace my servery. The lovely mirror is a matched pair given to me as a housewarming gift from my friend Jim Klinko from Furniture on Consignment. www.fine2consign.com Its mate is facing directly opposite and the double reflection makes the space look so much larger.
Jodi used this faux wicker iron urn for another corkscrew willow arrangement. She fitted the urn with floral foam, called oasis. The foam is saturated with water and the ends of the branches are easily pushed into it, where they are supported and quenched.
Jodi covers the oasis with green sheet moss, creating a most beautiful visual effect.
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