This spring I began planting willow. The first photo shows the fedge just beginning to shoot in April. (Fedge is half fence and half hedge, being a little like a growing trellis)
The next photograph shows a close-up of part of the living scupture horse. Some dry rods are used to weave between the living ones and hold the sculpture together. As the willow grows, new shoots are woven into the structure. The second photo shows the partly made horse. He has about four willows planted and growing at each foot. All reach up into his body, with those from the front legs reaching into the head.
The willow that makes up this dome is just beginning to shoot at the top, four months after planting. It will form a lightly shaded living structure, ideal for sitting under when the sun is hot!
Willow structures can be living - which means they will grow - or dead. Dead structures are made from willow rods that do not go into the ground and will therefore not grow. Both are made during the winter months. Helpers keen to learn about willow will be a ble to do more during the months when the plant is dormant - between November and March - although there are always shoots to be woven into the structures during the summer.
A newly planted willow dome in January.
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