The River
and the
Willow Tree

First, there was the river.

And the river was strong.

And it flowed through the fertile land.

And time went on.

And the river ran.

Then came the people.

And the people drank the cool water.

And bathed in the shallows.

And hung their wash by the silty shore.

And the river was happy.

And so it ran.

Then came the boats.

The canoes, the barges, the skiffs.

Carrying the people.

Carrying the people’s things.

And the river felt useful.

And so it ran.

Then came the trash.

And the runoff.

And the pollution.

And the things that moved on wheels and rails.

And the river felt lonely.

But still it ran.

Then the people forgot.

Forgot they needed the river.

Forgot they needed its power.

Forgot they needed its peace.

And the earth from which it was born.

And the river began to die.

Then there was a tree.

A willow tree.

First a seedling, then a sapling, then a sturdy trunk with branches that grew over, and roots that grew below.

And the tree grew strong.

And the tree made the river strong.

And the river felt hope.

And so, still, the river ran.

And the people remembered.

And they cleaned, and they cared.

And they splashed in the river’s cool waters.

And they sat under the tree’s shade.

And together, the people, the tree, and the river…

Built something better.
Stronger.
Lasting.

And the river felt peace.

And so it ran.

And the world turned.

And the people stayed.

And the tree grew.

And the river ran.

The story behind the story:

The name Willow means a lot to us. It‘s more than our name, inspired by the willow tree symbolizing growth, change, flexibility and nature.

The willow has a long root system providing a stable foundation for it to grow as those long roots reach out for water and nutrition. To thrive, the willow tree must learn to bend and flow with the winds. “Willow” is derived from a Celtic word meaning “near the water,” and as such, it exists in perfect symbiosis with the river.

This relationship is simple yet significant, both to the river and the willow, and to the ecosystem they support. The willow strengthens and stabilizes the river’s shoreline, while the river provides fertile soil and freshwater the willow needs to grow. Together, they work in balance and harmony, contributing to a healthy environment, a growing economy, and creating a natural resource that is accessible to all.

We felt drawn to the beauty and meaning found in this relationship, and the story above is a reflection of that inspiration. Like the name “Willow,” we think it means a lot.

Thank you! We truly appreciate this opportunity to share a little about our team, our experience, and—most of all—our excitement surrounding this partnership.

Getting to Know Willow

Just as willow trees support their environments, we strive to support our clients. Read more about our commitment to being an open, humble, and helpful partner.

Over 28 years, we’ve developed quite the portfolio, with no shortage of branding projects. Check out some of our stellar clients and the projects we’ve completed together.

It’s these incredible people that make Willow who we are. We’re a team of experts with childlike curiosity and grown-up grit. Get to know the many faces of Willow.

© 2020 Willow Marketing Privacy Policy