HOW TO: Decorate With Pussy Willow Branches

Decorating With Your Pussy Willow Branches

Decorating with branches is something that a lot of people might not think of, but they really add a unique and modern look to your home! Below we will tell you a few tips on how to cut and dry the pussy willow branches off of your trees at the end of winter, so you can be on your way and ready to decorate in the spring!

Selecting Your Pussy Willow Branches

Pussy Willow's produce their distinctive catkins during the late winter and early spring. Up to 20% of the tree's branches can be harvested without affecting its growth once it is properly established and at least a year old! Select strands that are between 5 and 10 feet long. Snip the strands near where they join the trunk with a pair of pruning shears. Try avoiding branches that have had their bark stripped and ones that are disease free. After selecting the healthy branches, bind them together with some string and let's get to work!

Preserving and Drying Branches

To dry out the branches, leave them in a cool, dry place. Hanging them in a spot out of direct sunlight is ideal for drying. Anywhere where they can be left undisturbed for long periods of time is great! You'll know when they are completely dried out when they are stiff and feel slightly brittle. The drying process does take up to a few weeks depending on the size of the branches, but it is totally worth how they will look in your arrangements!! If you're doing a larger project, like a wreath, branches can be planted to grow more of them! Near the end of winter, place 5 ft. branches in a vase with water and wait for them to sprout. Once they do, place them into compost, and then plant them outside near a water source during the summer. Just remember they prefer their damp soil!

Create Arrangements

Pussy Willow branches look beautiful simply standing along in a vase. You can cut the branches in half to make smaller arrangements like the one above, or leave the branches at their regular size and create a tall arrangement in a clear vase for something larger. However, pussy willow branches also feel right at home integrated with spring flowers like in the picture below!

Make a Wreath

Start by creating a willow base. Soak about 15-20 very slim, plain willow branches for about a week. After you soak them, bend them into a circle, then wind several of the branches around to secure the wreath. Once it is dry, collect pussy willow branches and poke them into the wreath.

Create a "Tree"

Since Pussy Willow decorations typically happen in the spring time, make your branch arrangement into a holiday tree! For Easter, add some light, festive ornaments around a few of the branches to create a fun little decoration for the spring season!

Bring You Arrangement Outdoors

Pussy Willow branches don't just have to be dried and placed inside home arrangements. They also look great outdoors in your spring container gardens! Stick them in the soil and, if the soil is kept moist, they may even begin to bloom!

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