Today in the orchard
One of the earliest to flower in our orchard is the Japanese Pussy Willow, Salix chaenomeloides.
Our former farm-mate Emily Skrobis came over yesterday to cut willow (Salix spp.) She was here all day harvesting the long, colorful, one-year-old shoots she will use in her exquisite basket-making, a tradition that goes back many thousands of years. We have a wide assortment of willows growing throughout the farm—most are the native Salix discolor and other local species. Some we introduced. Years ago, Emily planted most of the strikingly brilliant-hued willows she uses in her weaving.
When willows appear spontaneously in the orchard, we allow them to do their thing. They tend to remain as shrubs or small trees when left on their own. They flower early in spring and are a good source of food for the pollinators. The soft furry ‘pussy willows’ are the first stage of the flowers before they bloom. We consider the willows to be welcome members of the Super Chilly orchard cooperative community!
