WilloWs for Weaving

The main willow used for woven hedges is Salix viminalis, the common osier willow. This produces very long, sturdy and unbranched new stems, ideal for creating the framework. Known as rods, these stems grow to more than 6ft (2m) in a single summer. The variety ‘Bowles’s Hybrid’ can produce rods of 10ft (3m) or more. Both have narrow, lance-shaped leaves, which are bright green above and silvery-haired below, giving a lightness to the hedge. The stems of S. viminalis are olive green and, for more colour interest, they can be combined with other willow species, having red- or yellow-coloured stems. These do not produce quite such long unbranched rods, usually reaching 5-6ft (1.5-2m) at the most. With a tendency to be thinner, they are best used for any infill. The most striking, bright red stems come from S. fragilis ‘Flanders Red’. They are at their brightest at one to two years old, after which they gradually mature to a deep burgundy. S. daphnoides and S. purpurea both have purplish-red stems with a white, waxy bloom. In winter, S. daphnoides produces fat buds, striped red and yellow, along the upper half of the stems. S. alba var. vitellina has bright, egg-yolk-coloured stems that mature to a golden-brown colour. Willow rods are available from specialist willow nurseries. Alternatively, willows can be bought as shorter, 10in (25cm) cuttings and planted in a nursery bed. Each cutting produces several rods in its first year, which can then be harvested for planting in the main hedge.

Bundles of newly coppiced Salix viminalis stems, harvested during late autumn and winter each year to create living willow structures and woven items, such as baskets.