There is one plant I have that I think is most enjoyable. It is the black pussy willow. I bought one bush many years ago from an old guy, can't remember his name, but he had these black pussy willows for sale and I had never seen them before.
They are amazing plants and very quick growers, plus they are easy to propagate. For a few years I sold them and did very well with them. Now I just enjoy what I kept and the old one I bought is as pretty as ever.
The stems are a burgundy color in the Winter and in the Spring the black catkins form and the beautiful green foliage remains full and green until the snow comes again. Then you see the burgundy stems against the white fields of snow. The little sparrows, finches, etc. make their home in them year round. What more could you want from one little old plant.
This is how the burgundy stems and early catkins look in February.
This is how the mature catkins look in April
Here is the bush in March
Here is how it looks the rest of the year after the leaves grow.
It makes a wonderful hedge, or just a pretty bush for any landscape. It is very easy to grow and loves full sun.
