Willow by the Water

The Willow Tree is re-growing from a large stump on the water's edge. I keep pruning the lowest shoots to create a canopy underneath, where I've planted hostas and rhododendrons.

Watery Willow - Upstream, 2006

Of course in winter the branches are completely bare, and the garden underneath becomes light and airy. My rhododendrons are busy growing and filling up this garden space.

Watery Willow - 2004

And all the while the water race burbles past, the water sparking as it runs over the stony bottom. This is nature's foot spa - the Head Gardener stands in the water when weeding the garden edges. Nice in summer, alarmingly fresh in winter!