6. Pussy willow

There was snow on the Connemara hills this morning, just visible from the top of the stone chamber. The cold spell is still with us and winter and spring continue to tussle with each other. Last night winter was winning and we awoke to a frosty morning, the earth hard and white. But as the morning sun touched each twig and stem, each blade of grass, white melted to warm gold and it was spring.

The first pussy willow this year

 I walked past a pile of willow trimmings and saw that spring was here too as the first silver-grey buds of pussy willow were beginning to open. Pussy willow deserves its name - these gorgeously silky catkins are as soft to stroke as a purring cat.

In complete contrast to strong, solid oak, willow is supple, pliable and thin. Cut a stem and it sends out multiple new shoots, push the cut stem into the ground and it will root.  You can bend it and weave it, and make it into baskets and seats and cradles.

The living willow 'fedge' cut back for the winter

Willow is an important part of the weaving of the garden design in Brigit's Garden: the island shelter in Samhain; the woven basket swings; the 'fedge' (both fence and hedge) between Samhain and Lughnasa; and the living green tunnels for children to run through. Willow is a reminder that flexibility and adaptability can produce great beauty and strength.