TAS Diary Archives
October 18, 2005
Willow weaving
Dan and I had a few days away last week at Oasis (Center Parcs Penrith), with Lorna. Instead of doing sporty things, I signed up for a class on willow weaving. We have some willow in the garden, given to us by Carol and Graham, and Dan keeps suggesting we should do something useful with it.
There were seven of us in the class, run by one of the Rangers. In an hour and a half, we each made a willow plant support. The fun part was trying to get it in the car to bring it home - there was no way I was leaving it behind!
Now, I know it's not quite straight, but with some sweet peas growing up it next summer, it will look just dandy. However, I'm not giving up the day job just yet.
Posted by Rosemary at October 18, 2005 6:08 PM
Comments
Hi,
I'd love to plant a willow for garden poles - how much room would one need (I've got a 60 x 20 surburban garden)?
P.S. Great site!
Posted by: Head Burro at November 11, 2005 2:45 PMYou don't need much room at all. I planted about a dozen cuttings behind our garage on a space approximately 10 feet square. Since it grows mostly vertically and has only a small spread it isn't too invasive. The variety we have grows fast though! It's been in a year and a bit and must be at least 20 feet tall. It's going to be coppiced in the late winter, so we're expecting more bushy growth next year.
Posted by: Dan at November 17, 2005 7:07 PMCheers Dan - I'm going to look into this more closely as it sounds perfect for one or two areas of my garden.
By the way - Daft Vader is the best name for a cat ever!
Posted by: Head Burro at November 18, 2005 10:16 AMTo get the best rods and limit root spread you should cut your willow down every winter when the leaves have fallen. Do this to the height of the original cuting for the first three years and after the third year you can cut it to the ground if you are feeling brave! The rods then grow straight from the root.
Posted by: christine at February 22, 2006 5:16 PMI live in Wyoming and willows seem to grow well here. Does anyone know the best variety of willow to plant for weaving?
Posted by: Beverly Burton at March 27, 2006 6:55 PM
Hey, that looks great. You're absolutely right it will look good - and it would've cost you a small fortune at a garden centre!
Posted by: David at October 18, 2005 11:08 PM