Living willow structure materials are typically available starting in January of each year and should be planted by April 15th - or sooner.
SEASONAL LIVING WILLOW PROJECTS & KITS
Living Willow Woven Panel
*available while supplies last…please plan to plant before April 15th
This woven panel can be from 4-6ft wide and 4-6 ft tall depending on your space and preference. Taller panels will benefit from a central support non-living stake for the first 2-3 years. This can be a metal or wooden post.
It can be woven with 11 paired or tripled rods.
Living structures should be planted before April 15th - the sooner the better. It should be planted in full sun with minimal weed competition. It will require regular watering in the first 2 growing seasons.
Pruning care includes nipping off of any side shoots for the duration of the growing season to allow for the primary growth to be focused at the tips of the structure. Then in Jan/Feb of each year (or every other year), all top growth can (should) be pruned back to the primary structure.
Limited kits are available from Jan 20th to Feb 20th or while supplies last. Pick-up in NE Seattle by appointment or at Wonders of Willow on Feb 14th and 14th.
Kits range from $150 - $250 plus tax
Kit includes 25 or 35 rods depending on the weave-style. Rod diameter is determined by the size and species of willow desired. Simple diagram with limited instructions included - price is primarily for materials.
If you live in the Greater Seattle area and would like assistance installing and weaving your panel, please let me know and we can discuss additional instruction fees.
Before reaching out, please review “things to consider” below….
Then email me at erin@fieldandforestcrafts.com
Living Willow Harlequin Topiary
*available while supplies last…please plan to plant before April 15th
Weave together 30 living rods to create a beautiful living column. Weave and grow in a pot or plant and weave directly into the ground. Can be made from colorful basketry willow or event our native willows.
Topiary should be planted or positioned in full sun and will require regular watering in the first 2 growing seasons.
Pruning care includes nipping off of any side shoots to allow for the primary growth to be at the tips of the topiary. Then in Jan/Feb of each year (or every other year), all top growth can (should) be pruned back to the primary structure.
Limited kits are available from Jan 20th to Feb 20th or while supplies last. Pick-up in NE Seattle by appointment or at Wonders of Willow on Feb 14th and 14th.
Kits range from : $100 - $150 plus tax
Kit includes 33 rods - 30 for weaving plus spares and a set of 10 soft garden ties to help with weaving. Rod diameter is determined by the size of the topiary desired and species of willow desired. No instruction included at this time. Price is based on materials.
If you live in the Greater Seattle area and would like assistance installing and weaving your topiary, please let me know and we can discuss additional instruction fees.
Before reaching out, please review “things to consider” below….
Then email me at erin@fieldandforestcrafts.com
CUSTOM LIVING WILLOW STRUCTURES & INSTALLATIONS
If you live in the Greater Seattle-area and have been dreaming about a living willow structure in your space and you want to discuss purchasing rods and/or instruction/installation from me, please email me at erin@fieldandforestcrafts.com. I’m happy to offer a short Q&A to help you with your planning.
A few THINGS TO CONSIDER before reaching out:
Living structures are typically woven from 1-2 year old living rods from 5-10 ft long. A fence, dome or tunnel could have 3-4 rods per foot of structure length. Rods can be $6-$10 per rod.
Instruction/installation is billed by the hour with cost for travel & mileage. I will not offer installation or instruction on rental properties without direct communication with the property owner.
Living willow structures should be planted in Feb, March, or April.
Living structures do best planted in full sun with limited weed competition. Irrigation will likely be needed in the first 2-3 year based on the location and weather - willows are water lovers.
Do not plant living structures within 15 ft of foundations, plumbing, or septic systems. Take note of the impact on other plants/plantings as the structure matures.
You are planting TREES and if you do not prune and maintain them, they will quickly outgrow your vision and turn into real TREES not just a managed structure.
Removing trees after 3+ years becomes more and more challenging. Make sure you want to have this long term relationship.
Willows are tasty to all herbivores. Deer, elk, rabbits and beavers will love your willow. Damage can be significant. You may need to consider fencing to protect your structure.
Living structures grow and change every year and require your participation to maintain, retain, and manage it.
Living structures can be made from many kinds of willow - including natives and cultivars. You will be able to harvest/gather some weaveable rods each year. You may want to select the willow species or cultivar based on the harvest you are hoping to have.
Some structures, especially taller structures, may need support pieces (additional willow, metal, or wooden infrastructure) while the living willow thickens and establishes. Horizontal support of woven willow will decay and fall away over time. Anything NOT inserted in the ground will eventually die and decay.
If you’ve read the above details and ready to weave, email me at erin@fieldandforestcrafts.com