Cousin Itt, our Salix Caprea

I was given this little willow as a Mother's Day present several years ago.

Even before we really knew its name, there were hints as to what was coming.

One year, its branches grew so long, they hit the ground and grew sideways along the grass. We started calling the little willow "Cousin Itt" Our cat Pippin loves to hide in there, you can see his head peeking out from under Itt's hair.

Itt grew fuller, but still with the long hair! By the end of each summer, it was trailing on the ground again.

Here is "Cousin Itt" a few days ago, nestled against a Celestial Rose. A few branches are almost long enough to touch ground again..