Artfully adorned with graceful pussy willows (Salix), these charming baskets make festive Easter gifts or additions to your holiday decor. For this version, Martha uses giant pussy willows, whose enormous catskins create a dramatic effect, but you can use virtually any variety you like.

To make, select a plain glass vase, and cut two pieces of 22- to 26-gauge floral wire to the circumference of the vase. Choose a piece of sheet moss that covers the vase, and lay it atop the two wires, which should be spaced apart. Lay the vase on its side, on top of a piece of sheet moss. 

Cinch the wire with the moss around the vase, and repeat with the second wire to anchor the moss against the vase. Cut another piece of wire to the circumference of the vase. Loosely tie this piece about 1 inch from the vase’s bottom (this is the wire the pussy willows will be tucked into). 

Cut pieces of pussy willow, and start slipping them under the wire (you may want to turn the vase upright at this point). Repeat to cover the entire circumference of the vase. When finished, cut another piece of wire, and tie it around the top of the vase, being careful to not damage the buds under the wire.

Choose two or three appropriate lengths of pussy-willow branches for the handle. Wire and twist the branches together, then gently push each end down between the moss and the vase (the wire will help to anchor the handle). Be aware that the handle is only decorative and should never be used to carry the basket.

Pussy willows

Star Valley Flowers

51468 County Road C

Soldiers Grove, WI 54655-9712

608-735-4100

Fax: 608-735-4101