People who are good at growing plants know that it is possible to plant what seems to be a lifeless stick and produce a tree or other kind of plant. The stick is a really what is called a hardwood cutting. From these cuttings, trees, vines and shrubs can grow. They are called “hardwood” because the pieces are woody rather than leafy. Not every woody plant will take root and start to grow from hardwood cuttings. Gardeners can expect close to 100 percent success with plants such as grape, currant, gooseberry, privet, spiraea and honeysuckle. However, this method does not work with apple, maple or oak trees, for example. Because they lack leaves, hardwood cuttings are less perishable than “softwood cuttings.” They have leaves that can dry out rooting stems before roots can form. If you want to develop a “green thumb” or get really good at growing plants -- start your effort with hardwood cuttings of willow. Willow trees often spread from branches that take root on top of the ground through the winter.