Comments on: Winter is fattening

By: Michael Dodge

Michael Dodge — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:01:03 +0000

Message for Susan Sims: I have several plants of this willow and it’s in full bloom here in Northern Vermont. Willows root very easily from hardwood cuttings taken at this time of year. Mine are were from cuttings stuck in Spring ’07 and are about the size in the photo. Let me know if you’d like some. By the way I was at the Arnold Arboretum 2 weeks ago and the ‘Rubykins’ were in full bloom and although they were spectacular, the flowers are tiny in comparison to ‘Mt Aso’.

Thank you, Michael – I know Susan is thrilled to be getting a Mt. Aso at last! -kris

By: Sara Begg

Sara Begg — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 20:34:44 +0000

Great post! Even though a mere hour (?) north, I ain’t seen nothing yet. Well, not nothing…buds are definiltey plumping on the witch hazel in my neighbors yard and the quince buds too.

It was great to meet you at NE Grows. Hope to make it down to Blithewold soon.

Thanks, Sara! With our recent bone chilling temps I’ve been too wimpy to go out and check on those blooms and the fatties – I’m crossing my fingers that they aren’t burnt to toast. Might be better for you that things waited. I’m looking forward to your visit! -kris

By: Susan Sims

Susan Sims — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:46:15 +0000

Love the willow! Although, based on the pictures and the relative size of the catkins, I think it’s a variety of Japanese Giant pussy willow. If it is, then hort. name on your label should read Salix chaenomeloides ‘Mt. Aso’. The only nursery I’ve ever heard of carrying it is Forestfarm, although it isn’t currently in their catalogue. But the only red pussy willow I’ve heard of is the Korean variety ‘Rubykins’, but its catkins aren’t as large.

Whatever it is I want it!

Susan, I think you might be right – a lot of the labels in the nursery are sort of written in shorthand and though I looked it up on-line, I couldn’t be sure. And the person who found it for us does get a lot from Forestfarm so I think you’re probably right about that too. Keep your eyes out for it – it is a beauty! -kris

By: VP

VP — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:23:53 +0000

Hi – I used to work in Bristol, England until late last year, so when the map of Bristol, RI and your site came up in Blotanical, I couldn’t resist taking a look. Your photos are absolutely stunning

Thank you, VP! It’s funny – when I first checked our location on the Blotanical map, Stuart had me in your Bristol! -kris

By: Sue

Sue — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 19:12:42 +0000

Just to let you know it’s carnival time, and your link is up.
Sue

Oh great! Thank you, Sue – Everyone head over to Sue’s blog for the Garden blog carnival! -kris