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.
Hi Martha,
I never knew that Pussy Willows grew so tall. It's interesting to look at the spiral appearance of the branches.
Pauline Mucciaccio
Posted by: PAULINE MUCCIACCIO | February 15th, 2008 at 12:32 am
Hi Martha - I am an avid watcher of your show from Queensland, Australia - I must admit that I have never seen snow let alone pussywillows. - I commend you on your show - as craft and owner of a retail craft book store - I love to see all the new trends coming from the other side of the world. Cheers Tania
Posted by: Tania Murphy | February 15th, 2008 at 6:21 am
Pussy willows are my favorite, I have never seen such curly stems though, they are gorgeous and look stunning in your home
have a happy day
deezie
Posted by: deezie | February 15th, 2008 at 6:26 am
Hi, Martha,
Such lovely pussy willow arrangements! I have not seen them so tall either. The decorated servery with the mirrors from Jim Klinko is wonderful. Thanks to Jodi also for the glimpse at how to cut and arrange them. I'll try it here, too.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | February 15th, 2008 at 8:36 am
You have such beautiful decorative containers and you've shown us a lot of them over the years. Where do you keep them all? I really like the alabaster ones and the idea of the two mirrors but the arrangement in the wicker is most stunning. Anyway, if you sold pussy willows by mail, I would probably buy some. Trish
Posted by: Trish | February 15th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Dear Martha,
Stunning!,,,I am absolutely going to make some of these arrangements this weekend for our house.
Every year, for the last 35 years, my husband has brought me pussy willows when they are just perfect. He has all his favorite spots that he has picked out over the years. As he drives to and from work each day, he watches their progress. Just last weekend we were noticing one of his favorite areas and how big the buds were getting. They are such a wonderful sentimental gift for me. Such a simple thing, but filled with so many happy memories and love from him to me. Thank you for all the gardening pictures. Those and the ones above are just a beautiful inspiration.
Thanks so much,
Mary Ellen Barnatt
Milford, MA
Posted by: Mary Ellen Barnatt | February 15th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Hi Martha,
These look absolutely lovely. I would never had imagined that one could create such a nice arrangement with Pussywillows!
Lori
Posted by: RecipeGirl | February 15th, 2008 at 10:04 am
I have weeping pussy willows. Every spring I know Martha will have a display in her house. I just always wonder how the branches are selected and trimmed so the bush still looks nice in the summer. I never know if it should be the inside ones, the ones toward shade or sun or.....
Gorgeous displays.
Posted by: Margie | February 15th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Beautiful and dramatic arrangements, Martha! I love the texture and the whispy scrim of softness they create.
Pussy willows are abundant around my parents' house and at our cottage.
I still remember seeing my first one as a child with my dad on a winter walk. I was convinced they were sleeping bunnies, all nestled into the branches: "They're just not awake yet!," I would whisper.
-Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | February 15th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Hi Martha, What a nice follow-up to yesterday's show that featured pussywillows. Who would have thought that something as simple as pussywillows could bring beauty and joy at a time when the weather is so unpredictable. Thank you for reminding me to be more observant of nature at all times of the year. Thanks for featuring Jodi again. She is so talented and good at what she does. The displays are absolutely gorgeous. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | February 15th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Hi Martha, The photos of the pussy willows are beautiful, especially the one taken of the antique planters. I guess when you are the new kid on the block with the computer, you learn something each day. I did not know you could enlarge the photos to full screen. So the one in the formal dining room is exquisite when enlarged. Thanks so much for your blogs..we are learning something every day.
Cheers, joan mason, OH
Posted by: Joan Fluor Mason, OH | February 15th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Martha,
Beautiful arrangements! One question-how do you keep the cats from tearing them apart? I have to keep all of my arrangements outside or they will be in a million pieces the next morning (my cats are very busy at night!!). We even had our Christmas tree on our large front porch this year with all of our favorite ornaments. What's your secret?
Karen
Posted by: Karen | February 15th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Hi Martha,
The pussy willow filled planters in your formal dining room are in a word . . . spectacular! The pussy willow's silvery gray catkins look incredible with your Bedford Gray.
Cantitoe Corners is truly a font of inspiration.
Thanks for a very informative blog.
Hope you have a great weekend.
Jon
Posted by: Jon | February 15th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
I adore the pussy willows arranged in your antique wicker planters...how very charming they are! I have an antique white wooden planter that is about 3 feet wide with a metal insert...your arrangement inspires to to fill it with pussy willows for Easter. It's wonderful that you have so many pussy willows on your beautiful property.
Sherey
Posted by: Sherey | February 16th, 2008 at 12:05 am
You're so lucky to be able to grow your own pussy willows! I've always loved them and buy them whenever they're available here in Florida. Alas, they are much shorter than yours. Beautiful arrangements!
Posted by: Lana | February 16th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Hi Martha,
What beautiful Pussy Willows! I had a beautiful shrub one year that was light pink. I had friends and relatives waiting each year for me to share the pussy willows with them. A pair of Cardinals built a nest in there onr year which entertained my neighbor and me. After they were long gone I took the nest out, dried it and sprayed it several times and then bought 3 Cardinals to fill it and used it in my Christmas tree that year.
Rita Haskins
York, NE
Posted by: Rita Haskins | February 16th, 2008 at 8:58 am
I adore how the pussy willows look in your oh soooo charming antique wicker planters. I have an antique white planter with a metal insert and this has given me a plan to fill my planter with pussy willows for Easter.
Martha...how wonderful that you have the space to grow all these good things!
Sherey
Posted by: Sherey | February 16th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Martha,
I love the color of your walls taken from inside your home. Can you tell what color was used. Thanks
Posted by: Sonia Vallieres | February 16th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Delightful! My granddaughter and I will be on the hunt for some tomorrow. Thanks.
Posted by: Granywonder | February 16th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Hi Martha,
What beautiful pussy willow arrangements! I love seeing the pussy willows and nut catkins. I know spring is on the way. When I was a teacher I used to bring the different catkins into the classroom and share with the children. They loved the soft pussy willow catkins.
Posted by: Chris T. | February 17th, 2008 at 1:23 am
Martha, they're gorgeous! I never new they grew like that as trees, or I never thought about it. Being 100% Polish, pussywillows were something we always had around. As a child I loved them. Thanks for the beautiful remembrance and the beautiful arrangements.
Posted by: Noble Pig | February 17th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Martha,
You are truly an American treasure and, I hope and, pray you never leave the airwaves. I thank you for giving me the chance to dream and, hope for something better for my life.
David Roethel
Posted by: David | February 17th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
I have had the corkscrew willow in my garden & have found it to be an unpleasant tree. It drops branches constantly with many branches dying. It finally became unsightly & cost us $600 to have cut down. I would advise anyone to investigate this tree before purchasing.
Posted by: Cathy | February 17th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Love the arrangements. I was able to catch the show before I left for work the other day and loved this followup. I've just moved from a large home to a smaller condo, but I plan on making this arrangement for my long hallway and lighting it up from above with a frame lamp. With such a large arrangement, I'm sure the shadows that it will throw in the evening will just add yet another interesting aspect to this unique arrangement. thanks for all you do...I love learning something new each day.
Posted by: suezi | February 18th, 2008 at 11:00 am
I love those pussy willows. They are so pretty.
Posted by: Janis | February 18th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Wow! The pussy willow looks absolutely gorgeous. Such a work of art!
Posted by: Polka Dot Bride | February 18th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
My most favorite bouquet was one I got for Valentines day with irises and pussy willows. Both of which have always been my favorite.
Thanks for sharing your arrangements. I'm going to have to be off in search of pussy willows tomorrow.
Posted by: bari | February 18th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
Dear Martha: The simple pussywillow, is indeed, my most favourite of all nature's reminders that we are heading into warmer and longer days ahead. Your pictures, which you have so kindly shared with us, your admirers,are most exquisite. One of my most treasured memories of my childhood and beyond is that of my gentle and loving father and I every Spring trekking together to places where the pussywillow grew, standing back and admiring them and then , oh, so carefully, cutting some to bring back to my mother. This continued up until my father passed away in 2003. Of course, he cut some for me, as well. As a result, every time that Spring is on its way, my thoughts turn to him again and I now seek out the pussywillow ,as much for the memory as for the freshness and innocence which they evoke in such a real and unassuming way. Love you and love your program. Jeanne Nova Scotia, Canada
Posted by: Jeanne Archibald | February 21st, 2008 at 9:38 am
I grew up in New England and the pussy willows were always an early spring favorite. We would cut them and then place them in a dry vase..no water. So they would stay in the pussy willow stage and not leaf out. We enjoy them throughout the year, and replace them the following year. Nice pictures!
Posted by: Carol | February 21st, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Martha,
I just forced some "paper whites" using your method. They turned out great and are very fragrant. What do I do now or when they are done blooming? Can I put them outside?
Posted by: Cathy Lambert | February 23rd, 2008 at 5:26 am
I really love the pussy willows, and how you arranged them. It gave me a wonderful idea for our new house that is underconstruction. In our family room upstairs the whole wall is nothing but windows beside the fireplace. I could make these type of smaller arrangements in the far windows. I really appreciate the effort you put into showing us your beautiful and creative ideas; with many wonderful plants
Posted by: ann mara | February 24th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Loved the pussywillow arrangements. I must say that the corkscrew are my favorite(I have always referred to them as curly pussywillow).
Posted by: Loretta | February 27th, 2008 at 11:33 am
lOVE THE PUSSY WILLOWS!
My sisters and I used to gather them on our dairy farm in Northern Indiana in the spring. I have been looking for some here in Texas and can't find any. Where can I order them?
Mary Bailey
El Paso,Texas
Posted by: MARY BAILEY | March 3rd, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Hi Martha
Growing up pussy willow trees were always my mom and my favorite. I just moved into our house before christmas. My mom passed away last August. Now that spring has come I am starting to see what kind of trees are in our back yard after the winter. I just discovered that our large tree in our back yard is a willow tree. I know that my mom is always with me.
Great willow arrangements!!!
Posted by: Kelly Lauer | April 3rd, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Dear Martha, I am a new partner to your Blog, I have seen your show many times, I look forward to watching it every evening right after I watch my soap. I'm writing this to you because I am so inspired each and every time I see something that I really enjoy doing. That ranges anywhere from many of your crafts to cooking the simplest meal. You also have so many interesting guests on your show. Such an inspiration!! Thank you so much, Joanne Reeves
Posted by: Joanne Reeves | May 4th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Hi Martha,
I Googled pussy willows and found you. I love the photos. My mother-in-law gave me
a branch that she rooted and I've planted it but had no idea what it was going to do. Your photos are a great help. Could you show me what they look like now in the spring/summer. Do you prune them or just cut them for decorative purposes?
Thank you,
Renee
Posted by: Renee Molinari | May 26th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Martha, This is the first time I've been on your Blog. This is very interesting and I absolutely love these pussywillows. Never seen them this tall before. They look so beautiful in your windows and they must be wonderful to see in real life. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
Albertine
Posted by: Albertine Ellinwood | May 28th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
For anyone who would like to have their own pussy willow tree, it's easy. Just take a clipping, put it in a vase with water until it accumulates good roots. Place the clipping in a pot until it gets a little bigger and then plant it in the ground. They love water, so make sure you give it enough. I would wait until year 2 before clipping. (They grow very fast.) I give my clippings to my friends every year.
Posted by: Lori | July 23rd, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Martha,
As I channel surf the tv, I always choose to watch your show!Thank you for bringing a nice show filled with,new ideas of food and crafts etc... to your fans! I can't wait to see your fall and Christmas shows! Enjoy all the holidays to come!
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Lynn Barry | August 6th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Dear Martha,
I am just wondering my pussy willow is a huge tree but the braches are not spiral they are straight upwards. I s that a common thing or is it cause I never trimmed it down I always wanted it looking like a tree not a shurb or bush . So how do I get the branches to be spiral??? Lee
Posted by: Lee | March 3rd, 2009 at 10:40 am
WHILE MY SON AND I WERE WORKING IN THE YARD YESTERDAY WE DISCOVERED WE HAVE A BEAUTIFUL PUSSY WILLOW TREE IN THE FAR BACK CORNER OF OUR PROPERTY. WE JUST MOVED INTO OUR NEW HOME AND I AM THRILLED WITH WHAT WE ARE FINDING. I CUT SOME DOWN AND WAS IN SEARCH OF WHAT TO DO WITH THEM WHEN I CAME ACROSS YOUR GREAT SITE! lOVE YOUR SHOW AND ALL THAT YOU DO.
Posted by: Kely | March 22nd, 2009 at 4:10 am
Can anyone please tell me where I can purchase pussy willows in the New York area. I have searched everywhere the flower shops here don't have them. Please email me with information. niya2naynay@optonline.net
thanks
Posted by: patricia | March 26th, 2009 at 9:58 pm