Willow weaving
Posted: Tuesday 18 October, 2005
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.
Comments
Head Burro
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!
Dan
You 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.
Head Burro
Cheers 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!
christine
To 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.
Beverly Burton
I live in Wyoming and willows seem to grow well here. Does anyone know the best variety of willow to plant for weaving?
Margery McGowan
Well done Rosemary. Been a long time since I've visited the site and I couldn't remember how to post a question so putting it here instead - can you sort for me? I just wanted to know if anyone has made a living willow horse friendly 'tunnel'? I planted 2 rows of willow whips last year. They are now about 6 feet tall so a bit to go yet. Aiming for a 12 - 15 foot high by 12 foot wide tunnel. Any helpful tips from anyone please? Can send photo of how it looks so far if it helps. Margery
Rosemary
Hi Margery
Never heard of anyone doing it but if you post on the forum, you might fid someone who has. Ourponies love willow so I think they would just eat it :-)
Comments are now closed for this post.
David
Wednesday 19 October, 2005 at 12:08am
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!