the yogurt willow

At the old family farmhouse on Coast Meridian Road, there was a huge weeping willow tree in the front yard. It was almost as big as the house, or so I remember it! It had plenty of water in the low wet ground, and was near a huge deep full ditch between the front yard and the road. Near the willow was an enormous holly tree, which seemed to tower around the height of the red farmhouse roof. I remember when Mom cut out a house for us in the middle branches; we liked playing in our secret holly house, although I clearly recall how sharp the prickly leaves were! Dad made us a great tire swing hung from the weeping willow- the kind that sits horizontally. It was so fun to play on... About 7 years ago he gave it to us to put in our own yard for Jack and Mary and Emma- the same one from when we were little on the farm!
A couple of years ago when we were out at my sister's place in a lush BC mountain valley, Kirby and I bought a little willow tree in a yogurt container from someone at the local Farmer's Market... We somehow packed it in with the cooler, the duffel bags, the dog, and the family, and brought it home. It survived the 10 hour ride, and we planted it in the northeast corner of our backyard where the rainwater drains. Now it's about 8 or 10 feet high and blowing gently in the wind of another hot sunny southern Alberta summer day. It's had no problem pulling through two winters here, staked against the west wind...
Thank Heaven for home trees.

Comments

  1. Glenda BerrySeptember 17, 2013 at 7:42 PM

    Leah! I too loved the wonderful willow tree at the farm. It grew right outside my bedroom window, giving my room a lovely soft green light. I spent many happy hours climbing and swinging on the willow. I am so glad you have been able to grow a willow at your house. I always wanted to plant one in my yard, but it has never been possible. The willow and the holly really were taller than the farm house. Wonderful old tree beings! Thanks for sharing! Love, Auntie Glenda

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