Pussy Willow

The fine weather continues and one is able to hang out the washing in the garden to dry with the sound of bees in the background.

Pussy willow, or Goat Willow (salix caprea), is growing in the old cow yard. These fluffy catkins are male, the female simplified pale green catkin grows on another tree. The bark contains tannin and some salicin which is used in medicines.

An old school friend of Tim's from primary days came to see what fencing we need to have done before we let all the cattle out. J achieved a first in his degree at Reading but prefers to return to the family smallholding in Dorset and at the same time try his hand at contract fencing.