The Whomping Willow
Our village has a very old, very large Willow tree. Rick loves nothing more than disappearing under the drooping branches to investigate the latest crop of molehills. Of course, each one requires a little “marking” so he can keep track of which ones have been thoroughly inspected. At the base of the tree is a large hollow which, until recently, had become home to a particularly grumpy wasp nest. That’s been dealt with, but it left us all realising the tree itself was in trouble. To stop it toppling, it’s been pollarded. Now it looks rather strange—like it’s had a very severe haircut. Hopefully, it survives and puts on some new growth next year. Rick, however, is quite convinced that the hollow is a secret passage into another world. One of his doggy friends recently vanished, and he is certain the tree has swallowed him whole. I haven’t the heart to explain they’ve simply moved house. Meanwhile, in the garden, this summer has been brilliant for growing. The greenhouse has turn...