Pussy Willows!

Thought since I said I saw them and they are such a welcome harbinger of spring I should produce a picture. This is a willow I bought a couple of years ago and it's got the most beautiful pussy toes on it. They are perfect in every way. Kitten soft, grey little pods that will eventually burst into yellow catkins to announce the sprouting of new leaves. It certainly seems like it will be a vigorous shrub so I'll cut it back almost to the ground and encourage more shoots for next year. I'm hoping this will be a good willow for basket weaving.