I have a Black Willow (Salix nigra) in about a 15 gallon pot, that I intend to pot up to a 25 gallon next year. So far, it has done well. I did forget to water it at one time in early summer and it dropped all of its leaves. I thought it was a gonner. I scratched the stem to see if the cambium layer was still okay, and it appeared to be. I resumed watering it, trimmed off the dead portion of the stems, and it grew back just fine. Willow is extremely easy to root. If you can find some close by, you can cut a few 3' stems, and stick them in some dirt, watering them daily, you will probably have roots in no time. Willow contains a chemical that promotes rooting and is often used as a "rooting" agent when attempting to root difficult plants. So, it has an unabashed desire to perpetuate. For me, I only grow the one because these trees are dioecious. I don't want to end up with a male and a female that produce seeds. I don't have enough room. Willows are also know for their need for water because it is not recommended that they be planted near sewer and/or water lines. The roots will more than likely seek out these lines, get into them, and can cause a lot of headaches and damage. I think the Blue Arctic Willow is supposed to be hardy thru zone 7, but it still may be too hot in Missouri to grow them well, or for any length of time. Probably would do fine in the Northwest's zone 7 - very different from Missouri, though. I know I wouldn't attempt it in my zone 7a because we just get too hot on a consistent basis. Good luck! Susan

I think we need a better photo. That looks like a sort of ladybug with trailing wings and I'm sure that's not what you wanted us to see.

The first one is a redbud tree, Cercis canadensis. Number two - that is incredible, I've not seen anything like it. Where is this located (city,state)? Are the leaves really silver colored? Otherwise it reminds me a bit in structure of wax myrtle. Number 3 is a wild Rubus, something like blackberry. Four, I am not sure, what does the foliage look like? Five looks like a Baptisia, as does #6.

oldbat2be - Thank you! My husband would have a small coronary if I said I wanted to change out the mosaic! haha Unfortunately I paid way too much for just that small square that I would see too many dollar signs in the trash if I did that.. Might have to let a few years pass before I could attempt that. ;) A full reveal thread seems intimidating! I will try to tackle that now over the Christmas break. You're welcome, juddgirl2!