Come meet the willow!
Join the 2025 willow harvest at my petite willow farm in Carnation, WA - get hands on with the willow and an introduction to the in’s and out’s of growing basketry willow. THIS IS FOR EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE ONLY - no willow will be given out or sold.
I planted my first willows in March of 2024 and then doubled the patch the spring of 2025. And though the willows are not yet fully mature, they are eagerly growing….with some reaching well over 9 ft in a single growing season. There are currently just over 1,000 willows in the patch and we’ll add more this spring. Come lend a hand and join the willow journey.
The Ground Work | Willow Farm: Year 1 | Willow Farm: Year 2
What you need to know about harvest…
FIRST COME, FIRST HARVEST
I’ve scheduled 8 sessions over 2 weekends. The earlier you attend the more likely the session will happen. Once all the willow has been harvest and sorted, any remaining sessions will be cancelled.
TOOLS & CLOTHING
Please bring a sharp pair of secateurs/clippers and a kneeling pad. Please test that your clippers can cleanly cut a pencil-thick fresh stick before you arrive. Last season we had quite a few clippers not up to the job. Please dress for potentially rainy and chilly weather - it’s December. The field (assuming no flooding) should be fairly good but wear boots you don’t mind getting a little muddy as there are muddy areas on the farm. As a willow farmer and a knife sharpener, these are my favorite secateurs - medium | small. (I do not get paid for this…I just want the willow to have clean cuts!)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The willow is growing in tightly packed rows. We will be doing lots of bending, stooping and kneeling - as well as repetitive clipping. Good hand and back strength are important. Each session is for 2 hours but you don’t have to stay for the full 2 hours…or you can stay all day. :)
RAIN PLAN
We will be harvesting “light” rain or shine. If it’s absolutely pouring, I will contact those who have RSVP’d and let you know if we are harvesting or not. Temperature doesn’t impact harvest.
THE FARM & PARKING
My willow farm is leased as part of the Experience Farming Project run by SnoValley Tilth. It is on a working farm. The road is gravel and rutted. The parking is willy nilly. There is a port-a-potty. And the speed limit is 5 MILES PER HOUR - no exceptions.
RSVPing (is a must!)
There is no fee to attend but if you do RSVP, try your best to come. The minimum age is 14 with accompanying adult. Please plan to arrive promptly for your harvest time so you can get the introduction and training…then you can harvest to your hearts content and head home whenever you like. Please NO NOT attend without RSVPing. I’m a member of a farming community and need to cap the number of people on the farm at any one time as well as ensure you know the rules before arrival.
Hope to see you on the farm…I’ll be the proud willow mom!
