ALLIGIN WILLOWS

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Living willow structures and sculptures - Fun with Willow !



'Ecosculptures' are becoming increasingly popular, especially in conservation and wildlife gardens ('ecogardens'), and in children’s play areas and 'quiet time' areas. Indeed, they will add interest to any garden, growing very happily on a lawn or over pathways and patios.

Live rods are planted and woven together, then trained and pruned to grow into igloos, domes, tunnels, arches, bowers, tepees, garden seats, screens, ‘fedges’, mazes, etc., and large animals or dinosaurs as in topiary. Indeed the variety of possible structures is limited only by the imagination.

Rods of all sizes to 15 feet are available. Such long rods will require firmer anchorage and need to be planted deeper to allow more extensive root growth, so allow 12 to 18 inches in the ground, which should be prepared as already described.

In addition to planting tools, secateurs and, later, loppers will be required.

Technique.

Diagonal interlacing is the most productive of good growth. Rods planted at a slant will develop shoots all along their length, whereas verticals grow mainly from their tops. So uprights should be thicker to provide support for the structure. A diamond pattern will fill quickly with new growth. Stems should be lashed or whipped together where they cross with twine, tape or cable ties etc. After a year or two the joints will fuse together.

As a strengthening measure (optional), rods or pairs of rods interwoven between verticals at the base, may be set flat 1cm deep in damp soil and pegged down (pegs can be made from living willow !). These will root and grow uprights all along their length.

Here are some project ideas for you to consider.

Please feel free to contact Colin if you would like help working out the quantities of willow slips you require, or designing your own structure.

Make a simple dome or igloo, cover with canvas or tarpaulin (temporarily) to make a natural tent or ‘Wendy house’ !!

a simple dome, arbour or igloo



The verticals are planted first, and tied together at their tops, and then the diagonals are planted, interlaced and tied in.

Make a Living Willow Arch. Roses, clematis, honeysuckle, Russian vine or any other climbing plants can be trained up the arch to add colour. Makes an interesting transition between one area of garden and another. Extend the length of the arch to make a tunnel and plant a variety of different climbing plants for a colourful display.

a simple arch

Plant a living, woven fence / hedge ('Fedge').

a living fence / hedge ('Fedge').
see [gallery] for a larger image
You will need rods of 6ft or larger to make a 4ft high fedge. You can control the subsequent growth to the height of your choice. Plant half your supply about 12inches deep at an angle of 45 to 60 degrees, at 18 inch intervals along your line. Then return the other way, planting the other half of your rods at the same but opposite angle, between the first ones. You can interweave them, or bind them together where they cross, or both. Taller verticals can be added at any time to form decorative loops, arches, gateways, etc.

Make a Living Willow Bower - a special place to relax in summer shade.

Complete kits are available in two sizes, with everything supplied ready for you to construct your bower:

Approx 8 ft diameter (space for 2 seats) or
Approx 5 ft diameter (space for 1 seat)

Kits contain:

Mulch mat cut to size, ground clips, wood-bark chips, willow rods for uprights and diagonal weavers, Soft-tie, and two pegs with measured twine for defining your circumference.
Complete with detailed planting and building instructions.

[Click here to view or download the Bower kit instruction sheet] (in pdf format) - includes diagrams and photos.

See [Gallery] for new photographs to inspire you !

Please refer to [Purchase] for ordering details and prices.



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