Japanese Willow

Japanese Willow is one of the first trees to show signs of spring and they began several weeks ago to form these little buds which are soft and velvety to the touch.  The stems are red and the later leaves are long and slender.  A very attractive tree but one which needs a lot of space as they grow and grow in all directions.  We originally bought two very small ones which are now, after about 5 years, in need of drastic pruning.  We have about 20 others which we have taken from cuttings of the originals.
After a pleasant start, the day deteriorated and became wet and blustery.
Mr C still not feeling well, but hopefully he will improve shortly.