Willows settle in

We have acquired a few rocks to give some definition to the front yard, and spent some days shoving them around to achieve a configuration that pleased both of us.

 That done, my two alpine willows finally had a home. Salix nakamurana var. yezolpina (quite a mouthful for a smallish plant) already looks natural against this background. The rock highlights its fuzzy catkins and the fleecy edges to its young leaves.

Earlier in the year, when it was just breaking into leaf, it looked even more woolly:

Salix helvetica is still quite tiny,

but has a few catkins putting on a brave show this year.

I'm pleased with how well the flecks of red in the rock complement the flowers - an unexpected bonus.