Pussy Willow

Such a common sight in England, but not so common down here.

Our garden at Old Government House is essentially English, bearing in mind that the first settlers were desperate for plants, sights and smells  that reminded them of home.  This pussy willow is one of those quintessential English plants. It's quite rare here and not easy to grow because of the heat.  Our tree is very well established although we are having problems with branch rot, so some judicious pruning is in order.

I was up at OGH yesterday, and right now we have carpets of violets, both blue and white.  The smell was lovely, and again not something that we are used to.