WILLOWS
One does not, normally, trim weeping willow trees. Their tendency to hang down to ground in leafy fronds is a characteristic feature which makes them the special tree they can be. Nor, are all weeping trees, necessarily, willows. Others have been bred.
We have such a tree in our back yard. Had it been planted along the marshy edge of a small stream or pond, it might have grown to greater glory. In the dry. level place where it happens to be is adequate but not any showy specimen.
Members of our family take turns mowing the lawn and I find that some dislike mowing around “that crazy tree that hangs down”. I rather liked removing my cap first, then hit it lightly as if running into the face of a generous water fall. A moment of darkness, then I would burst out of the opposite side into the bright sunlight – replace my hat – and go on mowing.
Like weeping willow trees, some people have special characteristics which set them apart. Not all grown alike, either, because much depends on their situation and early life. Some are never valued for their special feature such as there ability to reach down to ouch and to join with the lowest elements of the landscape. You have known people who have that quality of outreach. They have the ability to associate with and get a closer look at the lowest of life around and beneath. They do so even as their head it held high; shoulders firmly widespread. The wind courses swiftly or softly through their leafy bulk as winds will do - unpredictably. The body holds firm and true.
When you find someone who is content in their particular environment, don't be too eager to feel you must change them to conform to your idea of what a proper environment should be. Many people where meant to be: “willows” - to ... ”look that way” – sad and weeping. It could be they they are neither weeping or sad, but merely questing downward to brush closer to the Earth which give them being and to be enriched by that closeness. Or, if you are mowing and you frighten a rabbit from underneath the shelter you get to witness how willows – trees or people – protect other forms of life. Notice, too, where your pet dog or cat comes from when you call them on a hot summer afternoon. Willows offer a special haven.
It is true willows do not fit the averages. Read your gardening books and you will find that, one after another, they will warn you not to plant more than one willow tree in your yard. along the creek or beside the pond. Two, too close, is too much. They tend, at times, to overshadow each other.
Respect willows for what they are. Don't attempt to redo them to be what they are not.
A.L.M. October 14, 2002 [c487wds]
