Dear Horseshoe, on the first day I started my Horticultural career my new boss asked me to give the botanical names of 10 plants he showed me. I had no idea at all about the names and the first one he asked me was a weeping willow. He then in depth told me it was a Salix. This does not come from latin but old English I was informed. Sal meaning near and ix meaning water.
For getting the name wrong he made me clean the massive pond in the park, I worked at of all the leaves in the dirty pond. It was January and freezing in that pond. He stated "It was character building for me."
After three very cold days of cleaning, he explained that willow will root almost anywhere. So as soon as I had warmed up in the spring. I was shown how to simply stick bits of willow into the soil and it grew.
Amazing plant, but not in a frozen pond in January. Near water he said, yes three days in freezing water, cleaning out willow leaves.
Hope you are well? Keep warm and safe.
Regards.
Neil.

Howdy, Neil..

And "Brrrr..." Such a cold remembrance you have. :>)

Thanks for the info re Salix, I would've thought it to be Latin or Greek. Your boss must've been gloating about his knowledge, eh? As for me, I'm glad to hear old English comes into play with some of the botanical names. It's a nice change!

Hope ya'll aren't suffering this winter as you did last year. Here it is cold, then warm, colder, then warmer. I'm ready for spring to arrive already. I need the new growth around me.

Best to you and yours,
Shoe

Dear Horseshoe, I can assure you that being up to my waist in ice cold water was not fun! I am sure though that the water I was in ,was totally useless for cuttings!
It has not stopped raining and yes it is freezing for over a week now.
Soup and some warm bread weather.
Take care.
Neil.

"I am sure though that the water I was in ,was totally useless for cuttings!"

Hah! It took me a minute but I caught the meaning!

Too funny!
Best.