if i had more than one... and more than one option of what to do with them .. i would try as many variations as i could ...

after all .. they are willow.. they root freely .. and i presume you have a mature tree to take more cuttings next spring if these fail ...

i would get them in the garage .. and start hardening them to the fall temps ...

then i would stick one in the veggie garden.. one in a pot in the ground .. and one in a pot in the garage ...

then i would see which system worked best for me/you ..

then i would kill them all in the spring.. because i personally feel that willows are carp ... I HATE WILLOWS ... one of ma natures cruel jokes ....

regardless .. i wish you all the luck in the world .. ken