Living willow structures

[Victoria26]

I'm planning to make a living willow structure on my allotment. It will hide my shed and compost area.

Has anyone else done this? I am planning to make a half dome shape so I can put a bench underneath it. Any tips or advice will be appreciated.

I need to go to the woods with my secateaurs to get some willow though.

[vicky]

I made a teepee for my daughter at my last garden...it was surprisingly easy! Just stuck them in and the grew! It took more effort keeping it trimmed as it was very vigourous, but still not a problem.

I don't think you're allowed to cut and take willow (or anything) from woods without permission though, maybe get in touch with the warden to ask first?

[ailsasyl]

I thought about using it to create a willow fence but after reading up changed my mind a sthe root system is very vigarous and would have spread into my veg and flower beds, so unless its well away from growing space you might need to consider this.

[OverWyreGrower]

I have just noticed that the Home Farmer magazine have an article on living willow fencing in their April issue (due out on 3rd april)

I'm looking at building a living hedge at some point this year too...

Have you looked at people who supply hedging (google search or eBay?) for willow, rather than going to the woods?

[OverWyreGrower]

And, having just looked, it seems as if we're just leaving the season for living willow things, which is November to March... drat, that's another job for my autumn winter list!!

[Two_Sheds]

I planted willow on my lotty for a living hedge (fedge) ... it is extremely vigorous and thirsty, and robbed moisture from my veggies.
Think about that when you plant.

Also, don't put willow anywhere near houses or water pipes, as its roots can invade the pipes (I've heard).

[Victoria26]

pfft i think i'll buy a bench....

[Snadger]

You'll not need to buy any aspirin anyway!