Willow
Branstone Farm Willow
The Willow Bed was established in February 2001.
It provides sustainable material for use by children in basketry and hurdle
making. Willow (Salix spp.) grows quickly, is easy to look after and simple
to harvest. Some varieties are excellent for living willow structures.
Willow-Flanders Red
An excellent basket variety producing long, straight rods up to 2m long. The rods will dry to a rich orange/brown colour.
Willow-Daphnoides
Often called “violet willow”. The tough, decorative rods will grow up to 3m. Used for living structures and wind breaks.
Willow-purpurea
Basket variety providing long, medium rods up to 2m long. Its blue/green leaves make it an attractive garden hedge.
Planting
Willows adapt to a wide range of soil conditions and will establish well
without need of fertiliser. However, weed control is very important for
the first two years. Woven polypropylene or black polythene are most effective
as weed-suppressing mulches.
Insert the cutting into a small hole leaving 5cm above ground. (Remember
that the buds should point upwards). Cuttings should be spaced at 30cm
with rows 60cm apart.
Aftercare
The first year’s growth will be rapid. Plants can then be coppiced
or pollarded at the end of the growing period, to ensure bushy growth
in the second season. Once established, the plant can then be cropped
annually (basketry) or left to thicken (hedges and windbreaks).
