Growing Willow

Growing Willow –

To grow willow you must first take cuttings in the autumn season. The cuttings must be approximately 30cm long and you need to insert 2/3 into the ground. Plant each one at meter intervals from one another in order to give them space to grow. If you want your willows to grow as trees leave them as they are. However, if you want withies (small shoots for weaving) then cut down to 15cm from the ground each autumn. The best variety of willow to use for weaving is the Common Osier Willow which is the same variety used in making the basket pictured bellow.

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Willow Introduction

Willow comes in many variety’s and its ability to flex makes it the perfect material for making many of useful things such as willow planters, baskets, wreaths and fences. It is also now a viable source of renewable energy because burning it for fuel is a carbon neutral process, which in this age of global warming makes willow a valuable commodity.

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