I am experimenting with an organic technique to help rose cuttings take root: a willow water drip system. When I tried this last year, the process faced challenges—fluctuating moisture, slow root growth—and most of my rose cuttings did not root. 

You see last year, while I was driving around at my other job, I kept my eyes peeled for some good looking willow trees growing around town.  I am a believer that "when times get to tough the tough get resourceful."  Besides, why buy expensive commercially available rooting hormone when it is practically free to produce yourself?

I spotted the perfect willow trees one day.  I didn't know what the difference was, but they were the best two willow trees I saw in the area.  And I mean it.  For my other job I drive all over our seven county area going from location to location taking care or our local mental health's buildings. So I see a lot of trees!  

So after seeing these two trees over and over, I decided to go up and knock on the door.  A couple came to the door and I explained that I wanted to cut some branches from their willow trees out front.  The gentleman smiled and said, "Go for it!"  He was constantly cutting them back anyway so he could mow under the trees. 

He also told me that they were corkscrew willows and that's why they looked so different.  Instead of growing straight branches like all the others in the area, his willows grew like curly cue fries hanging down and forming quite the canopy in his front yard. 

It was the perfect win, win situation.  I was more than happy to help him cut back his willows. I only wish I would have been able to cut back both trees for him.  If I had a bit more time I would have.  I did get about a hundred branches though.  I just cut them off at about eye level so he could get his mower under. 

I wanted to get a few of these willow cuttings to root along with my roses.  That way I would have a constant supply of willow water growing on my own homestead.  I figured I could start the branches root at the same time as they rooted the rose cuttings I had been collecting from my handyman job.  That's why I put a branch in with each of my rose cuttings.  I got at least ten strong willow starts out of the bunch, but only two of the roses established strong, stable roots—a reminder that growth is often subtle and requires patient care.

I figured I just didn't get the rest of the roses enough consistent water because the two roses that rooted were the ones sitting under my window air conditioner.  They were getting a constant flow of water. That must of been the deciding factor.

So this year I decided to try adjusting the drip rate and flow.  I am trying to create the perfect nurturing setup.  At least, I hope to.  Frankly the last time I tried this I only had two rose cuttings root so I am hoping this year goes much better.