Lutyens Garden, Heywood.

Went back to Heywood Gardens in County Laois this week. The formal garden (not normally my cup of tea) was designed by Lutyens and said to be planted by Gertrude Jekyll. Faded grandeur wherever you look, its a wonderful place, especially mid-week when you are likely to be the only visitor. Here are some photos. Sadly the turtle fountains weren't switched on but still lovely. The holes in the circular wall give views of the countryside.

Willow water rooting liquid - free and effective

I've used this successfully in the past. Water your cuttings with willow water for guaranteed rooting. Any type of willow will work.

Make your own willow water:
Easily root azaleas, lilacs, summersweets (Clethra spp.) and roses by gathering about two cups of pencil-thin willow branches cut to 1-3 inch lengths. Steep twigs in a half-gallon of boiling water overnight. Refrigerated liquid kept in a jar with a tight-fitting lid will remain effective up to two months. (Label jar so you won’t confuse it with your homemade moonshine.) Overnight, soak cuttings you wish to root. Or water soil into which you have planted your cuttings with the willow water. Two applications should be sufficient. Some cuttings root directly in a jar of willow water. Make a fresh batch for each use. You can also use lukewarm water and let twigs soak for 24-48 hours.

Source: http://www.bluestem.ca/willow-article1.htm